TIFF’s premiere on September 10 2025 of Barry Avrich’s The Road Between Us The Ultimate Rescue was a flashpoint for tensions around art accountability and Jewish feelings of vulnerability. The film which tells the story of retired Israeli General Noam Tibon’s efforts to rescue his family during the October 7 2023 Hamas attack had earlier been dropped from the festival over legal concerns notably clearance for Hamas bodycam and livestream footage. When it was reinstated after public pressure the atmosphere on premiere night was electric. Protesters carrying Palestinian flags and those opposing them gathered outside Roy Thomson Hall and one arrest was made. Before the screening TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey addressed the audience and offered an apology. “I want to apologize especially to the Jewish community for mistakes I made in the lead up to this day” he said in a packed house.
Filmmaker Barry Avrich also spoke out calling for viewers to see the film before judging the controversy. “I ultimately wish anybody that’s protesting this film watches it first. Then let’s have a conversation” he said on the red carpet. “In the world right now we need to hear stories of family and unity and that’s what this movie is about.” Strong reactions came from Jewish community groups before the premiere as well. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs for instance decried TIFF’s initial decision to pull the film saying in a release “This shameful decision sends an unmistakable message Toronto’s Jewish community which has long played an integral role at TIFF is no longer safe or welcome.”
At the same time other voices at the premiere were shaken. Noam Tibon’s family especially his wife Gali was quoted in the film saying “We failed tremendously on that day” referring to the feeling that “your country abandoned you.” In our community here in Montreal these words resonate in particular. Jewish Montrealers know what it means to feel both highly visible and under siege in public discourse. The apology from Bailey will be welcomed by many as necessary but it is likely not sufficient. Questions remain. What mechanisms will be put in place to avoid miscommunication and distrust in future. How will festivals balance legal caution with moral responsibility to tell stories of trauma and survival.
Art is not merely for comfort. Sometimes it is a challenge a reckoning a chance to bear witness. The Road Between Us may join that tradition. Whether TIFF and other institutions learn from this moment will matter far beyond Toronto.
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