Toronto Film Festival Bans Official Russian Delegations

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has banned all official Russian delegations from its 2022 edition.

The decision comes in solidarity with the people of Ukraine after the country was invaded last week.

“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,” the festival said in a statement on Thursday.

However, the festival affirmed being an arts organization dedicated to transforming the way people see the world through film, it supports artists and their freedom of expression.

Toronto added it will continue to include films from independent Russian filmmakers in its programming at the festival and year-round.

The statement continued: "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." the statement concluded.

The 47th TIFF will return as an in-person event from September 8–18.

It will feature the best of the international film community while spotlighting and championing the Canadian film industry and its filmmaking talent.

Also returning are TIFF’s networking and celebratory events, including the opening night party, industry conference, filmmaker dinners, industry networking events, press and programmers events, and tribute awards gala.

Last year, Toronto provided minimal and scaled-back, in-person, socially distanced, and vaccine-mandated screenings at its various venues across the city.

The festival shifted entirely digital in 2020 but offered a healthy selection of its titles on the TIFF screening platform.

“Over the last two years, we’ve learned how to bring digital elements to our festival in new and innovative ways. We are proud of this work,” TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey said in a statement.

Bailey pointed out that Toronto’s main focus in 2022 is bringing audiences back in person.