Key Takeaways:
– Producers of the documentary “Russians at War” threaten legal action against TVO for cancelling its airing.
– The producers seek either reinstatement of TVO’s commitment or rights to license the film elsewhere.
– Should resolution not be reached within 10 business days, the team may launch legal claims for breach of contract, defamation, and loss of funding damages.
– There has been substantial backlash to the film from Ukrainian officials, Canada’s Ukrainian community, and certain politicians.
– The Documentary Organization of Canada expressed deep concern over the potential political interference inherent in TVO’s decision.
Legal Implications and TVO’s Stance
Lawyers for the producers of the documentary “Russians at War” have issued a warning: they may institute legal proceedings against Ontario’s public broadcaster, TVO, for withdrawing its support for the documentary. This decision has sparked considerable controversy, eliciting strong reactions from the Ukrainian community and some Canadian politicians.
In a letter sent to TVO’s board and management, the lawyers demanded immediate reinstatement of the network’s commitment to air “Russians at War.” Alternatively, they asked that the filmmakers be allowed to license the film for another broadcaster or streaming platform. The letter issued a 10-business-day deadline for resolving the issue, beyond which legal remedies may be pursued. Claims may include breach of contract, defamation, and damages associated with any loss of funding for the project.
TVO’s board chair, Chris Day, decided to refrain from public comment on the legal matters at hand.
Controversial Documentary Sparks Backlash
The documentary, directed by Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, presents a narrative of Russian soldiers on the front lines of the war in Ukraine. This portrayal has been labeled as “Russian propaganda” by Ukrainian officials and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, sparking a consequential backlash.
This sentiment resonated with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, a politician of Ukrainian heritage, who also opposed the film.
The documentary was produced in collaboration with TVO and partly financed through the broadcaster’s allocation of Canada Media Fund resources. However, TVO’s board of directors opted to cancel the airplay, in response to the feedback received.
Political Interference Concerns Raised
The pull-out decision by TVO has met with criticism from the Documentary Organization of Canada. Expressing its profound alarm, the organization reflected serious concerns about potential political interference, which it believed was implicit in the broadcaster’s decision.
Danny Webber, a lawyer at Hall Webber LP representing the producers, in the letter dispatched to TVO last Thursday, emphasized that the network’s move was a “clear violation of the filmmakers’ rights”. He argued that the decision had caused “reputational and financial harm” to the documentary team.
Toronto International Film Festival Controversy
“Russians at War” was slated for its North American premiere during the Toronto International Film Festival. However, threats of violence against TIFF staff and operations led to screenings’ postponement to Tuesday. Allegations followed that these threats emanated from protesters who demonstrated outside Tuesday’s screening, clamoring for governments to retract funding from the festival.
As the controversy continues to rage, the future of this film and the potentially precedent-setting case with TVO hangs in the balance.