Many Support Ukraine, Toronto Film Festival Strikes Russia's Official Delegation Participation

JAKARTA - The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Thursday, March 3 local time announced it would suspend the participation of the official Russian delegation for this year's event, but still welcome independent Russian filmmakers.

"TIFF will suspend the participation of Russian state-supported film and media organizations, as well as cultural ambassadors and relevant Russian delegations," organizers said, quoted by Variety on Friday, March 4.

Organizers say TIFF continues to support artists and their freedom of expression so as not to prohibit the involvement of independent Russian filmmakers at the festival.

TIFF organizers expressed solidarity with the people in Ukraine and opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine. TIFF also said this year's festival would seek to amplify the voices of Ukrainian filmmakers and independent Russian filmmakers. The TIFF event itself is scheduled to take place from September 8 to 18.

"We hope to return to peace and stability in the region soon and we extend our support to the Ukrainian people and those in Russia who oppose this attack," organizers said. banned the presence of the official Russian delegation. The Venice Film Festival also made a statement in support of Ukraine but decided not to ban the participation of Russian filmmakers.

The five major Hollywood film studios, including Disney, Sony, Warner Bros., Paramount, and Universal, have also protested Russia's invasion of Ukraine by pulling their films from theatrical release in Russia. Netflix announced Wednesday that it will be suspending all projects and acquisitions. from Russia.