TIFF’s Ethical Failure: Standing Against the Weaponization of Art in Conflict

Dear Friend and Fellow Concerned Citizen,

I am reaching out to you with an urgent matter that requires our collective voice and action. The recent controversy surrounding the Toronto International Film Festival’s (TIFF) decision to screen “Russians at War” is not just a local issue, but one that strikes at the core of our values as Canadians and as human beings who stand against oppression in all its forms.

By signing and sending the letter below to our elected officials, you will be:

1. Standing in solidarity with victims of aggression, particularly the Ukrainian people currently under attack.
2. Opposing the misuse of public funds for content that potentially legitimizes aggressors.
3. Demanding accountability from our cultural institutions.
4. Supporting the principle that there is no “balance” to be sought when it comes to clear acts of aggression and oppression.

Your voice matters. By joining this call to action, you are part of a larger movement to ensure that our public institutions reflect our values and support those who need it most.

Please review the letter below, personalize it if you wish, and send it to your local Member of Parliament, MLA, and City Councillor. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Canada stands firmly on the side of justice and against aggression in all its forms.

Thank you for your commitment to this crucial cause.

With respect

Sasha

Sample Letter:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, Province Postal Code]

[Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Address] [City, Province Postal Code]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

RE: TIFF’s Disgraceful Decision and Misuse of Public Funds

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the Toronto International Film Festival’s (TIFF) recent decision to screen the documentary “Russians at War.” This decision, and the subsequent handling of the controversy, represents a disgraceful lapse in judgment that threatens the integrity of Canadian cultural institutions and betrays our commitment to supporting victims of aggression and oppression.

The decision to screen a film that humanizes Russian invaders in Ukraine is not a “balancing act” or an attempt to show a “different side.” It is a dangerous legitimization of aggression and a direct threat to the Ukrainian people, as well as all victims of various forms of oppression. This action by TIFF:

1. Provides a platform for potential Russian propaganda, undermining global support for Ukraine.
2. Misuses public funds ($340,000 from the Canada Media Fund) to support content that could be weaponized against victims of aggression.
3. Demonstrates a shocking lack of empathy and understanding for the Ukrainian-Canadian community and all those affected by Russia’s illegal invasion.
4. Sets a dangerous precedent for how Canadian institutions respond to clear acts of international aggression.

The parallels to other forms of oppression are clear and disturbing. We would never accept a documentary humanizing colonial forces responsible for the genocide of Indigenous peoples, nor would we tolerate a film seeking to “understand” sexual predators. The idea that we should seek “balance” in the face of clear aggression is not just misguided—it’s dangerous.

In light of these grave concerns, I am calling for the following actions:

1. A full and unreserved apology from TIFF’s board of directors for their initial decision to screen the film and their subsequent mishandling of the situation.
2. The immediate resignation of all committee members who approved the decision to fund and screen “Russians at War.”
3. A public review of the decision-making process that led to this controversy, including full transparency about who was involved in approving the funding and selection of this film.
4. Implementation of strict guidelines for all publicly funded cultural institutions to prevent the support of content that could be used as propaganda by aggressors in ongoing conflicts.
5. Mandatory consultation with affected communities, particularly in cases involving ongoing conflicts or historical oppression, before making programming decisions.

I urge you, as a [Member of Parliament/MLA/City Councillor], to use your position to demand these actions and to initiate a broader conversation about the responsibilities of our cultural institutions in the face of international aggression and historical oppression.

This is not a matter of artistic freedom, but of ethical responsibility and the obligation to not amplify harmful narratives. Our public institutions must stand firmly on the side of victims and against aggression in all its forms.

I look forward to hearing about the steps you will take to address this serious issue.

With respect

[Your Name]

cc:

• [Other relevant officials]
• Media outlets