Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has barred state-backed Russian film and media bodies from participating in this year’s festival in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
It follows similar moves this week by Cannes Film Festival and Venice Biennale.
Film organisations and media outlets supported by the Russian state, as well as Russian cultural ambassadors and delegations, will be blocked from the festival set to take place September 8-18.
However, work by independent Russian filmmakers will continue to be included at the festival and TIFF’s year-round programming.
”TIFF stands against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the declaration of war this signifies,” read an excerpt from the statement. ”We hope for a swift return to peace and stability in the region and we extend our support to the people of Ukraine and those within Russia who stand against these attacks.”
Russian troops invaded Ukraine a week ago after recognising independence of breakaway regions in the eastern parts of its neighbour. Fierce fighting has engulfed several major cities. Russian forces have captured the southern city of Kerhson and a 40-mile armoured convoy is heading for the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, although intelligence reports today suggested it has stalled for unknown reasons.
TIFF’s full statement appears below:
TIFF stands against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the declaration of war this signifies. We hope for a swift return to peace and stability in the region and we extend our support to the people of Ukraine and those within Russia who stand against these attacks.
As an arts organization dedicated to transforming the way people see the world through film, we support artists and their freedom of expression. TIFF will continue to include films from independent Russian filmmakers in our programming at the Toronto International Film Festival and year-round at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
TIFF will suspend participation by film organizations and media outlets supported by the Russian state, as well as Russian cultural ambassadors and delegations related to our Festival.
As we do this, we will seek to amplify the voices of Ukrainian and independent Russian filmmakers who continue to illuminate our understanding of conflict in the region. Alongside our international colleagues in the film world, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and the many Ukrainian artists and film professionals who have travelled to TIFF over the years.
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