Controversial documentary Russians at War will play at The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) today, after the organization postponed multiple showings over safety concerns.
Although the festival ran from Sept. 5-15, TIFF is playing two screenings of the film on Tuesday at TIFF Lightbox.
Planned screenings of the documentary, which was made by Anastasia Trofimova, a Russian Canadian filmmaker, prompted protests from community activists and Ukrainian leaders who claimed the two-hour film was Russian propaganda.
Despite this, the festival initially said the screenings would go ahead, denying claims that the production was tied to the Russian government.
READ MORE: TIFF pauses screenings of documentary on Russian soldiers over ‘significant threats’
“This documentary is an official Canada-France co-production with funding from several Canadian agencies, at both the federal and provincial level,” the festival wrote in a statement last Wednesday.
“Our understanding is that it was made without the knowledge or participation of any Russian government agencies. In our view, in no way should this film be considered Russian propaganda,” it continued.
Nonetheless, a day later, TIFF changed its tune, citing threats to festival operations and public safety,” in a follow-up statement.
Consequently, Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s showings of Russians at War were suspended.
“This is an unprecedented move for TIFF,” the festival wrote.
Toronto Police said the decision to suspend the screenings was made by TIFF, and was not based on police recommendations.
However, it appears TIFF has reversed its decision for a second time.
As of Tuesday, the film is scheduled for two showings at 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at TIFF Lightbox, according to the festival’s website.
