The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the world's largest publicly attended film events, recently became the center of a heated controversy surrounding a documentary about Russian soldiers in Ukraine. "Russians at War," directed by Canadian-Russian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, has sparked intense debate about the portrayal of aggressors in an ongoing conflict.
Trofimova's documentary, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, focuses on the experiences of Russian soldiers in Ukraine. The film depicts a disorganized battalion with demoralized troops, many of whom are conscripts or individuals who joined for financial reasons. This portrayal has led to conflicting interpretations of the film's message and intent.
Supporters argue that "Russians at War" provides an antiwar perspective by showcasing the confusion and disillusionment among Russian troops. They draw parallels to works like "All Quiet on the Western Front," which depicted the horrors of World War I through German soldiers' eyes. However, critics, including Ukrainian officials and diaspora groups, contend that the film risks humanizing aggressors and potentially undermining support for Ukraine.
The controversy intensified as TIFF approached, with the festival initially suspending screenings due to "significant threats" to operations and safety. Cameron Bailey, TIFF's chief executive, reported that staff faced hundreds of incidents of verbal abuse, including threats of sexual violence. Despite these challenges, the festival ultimately screened the film two days after its official closing, emphasizing the importance of resisting pressure to censor cultural products.
Chrystia Freeland, Canada's Deputy Prime Minister of Ukrainian heritage, expressed "grave concerns" about the film, stating that public money should not support such productions. This stance reflects the complex dynamics at play, given that Canada hosts the third-largest Ukrainian population outside Ukraine and Russia.
The documentary's content has been both praised and criticized. It shows Russian soldiers struggling with outdated Soviet-era weaponry, facing casualties, and questioning their mission. Some troops in the film dismiss pro-Moscow media as "propaganda" and express uncertainty about their purpose in the conflict.
Critics argue that the film fails to challenge false claims made by Russian soldiers, such as the assertion that they are fighting "Nazis" in Ukraine. Additionally, they point out the absence of discussion about documented war crimes committed by Russian forces, as confirmed by a United Nations commission.
"It's not the time to evoke sympathy for Russian soldiers because they continue to occupy us, fire missiles at populated areas and the director won't show this in her film."
The controversy surrounding "Russians at War" highlights the ongoing challenges in reporting on and representing complex conflicts. As the debate continues, it underscores the power of documentary filmmaking to provoke discussion and the delicate balance between artistic freedom and sensitivity to geopolitical realities.