“Russians At War” to screen in Canada: UCC condemns decision, prepares protests

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) condemns the Toronto International Film Festival’s (TIFF) decision to showcase the controversial propaganda film “Russians At War.” According to the UCC, two screenings of the film are slated for September 17, prompting the Ukrainian community to organize protests in response.

“It is a disgrace that TIFF has rescheduled the airing of the Russian propaganda film Russians At War and that other film festivals in Canada (Windsor, ON and Lunenberg, NS) have agreed to show it as well,” emphasized the UCC.

The UCC is calling on the government to investigate whether the screening of the film violates Article 318 of the Criminal Code (propaganda of genocide). “To date, neither the Governments of Canada, Ontario or Toronto have unequivocally condemned screenings of the Russian propaganda film – Russians At War.  The UCC calls upon them to do so immediately,” the statement reads.

The community urges governments to “suspend financial or any other support to the TIFF or any other film festival in Canada that is airing this propaganda for providing a platform for whitewashing of the genocide being committed by Russia against the people of Ukraine,” the UCC concludes.

On Tuesday, September 17, there will be a peaceful protest in Toronto at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St W, Toronto. The protests will start at 13:20 and 17:30 (according to the film’s showtimes).

“Let’s raise our voices against the spread of russian propaganda and ensure that it finds no place in Canada or on the world stage. The decision to feature such films is not just a mistake – it is a dangerous concession to russian information warfare,” says the UCC.