TIFF is working with the filmmakers of October 7 documentary The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue to screen the film at next month’s festival, CEO Cameron Bailey said, adding that claims of censorship were “unequivocally false”.
Following earlier reports that TIFF (September 4-14) had withdrawn the film’s invitation because it did not meet “conditions that were requested”, the filmmakers retorted that the festival had “defied its mission and censored its own programming by refusing this film”.
However on Wednesday Bailey said in a statement: “I want to be clear: claims that the film was rejected due to censorship are unequivocally false. I remain committed to working with the filmmaker to meet TIFF’s screening requirements to allow the film to be screened at this year’s festival. I have asked our legal team to work with the filmmaker on considering all options available.”
The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue was never announced as part of the TIFF Docs line-up earlier this month, and follows retired Israel Defense Forces general Noam Tibon’s mission to rescue family members during the October 7 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel. Barry Avrich directed.
Bailey said he invited the film to take part in TIFF because he believed “it tells an important story and contributes to the rich tapestry of perspectives in our lineup”.
Last year, TIFF was forced to pull screenings of Russians At War after the organisers were made aware of “significant threats to festival operations and public safety”.
Bailey’s statement appears below.
August 13, 2025
Dear Members of the TIFF Community,
I want to take a moment to address recent reports regarding the documentary film The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue. This situation calls for compassion and sensitivity, and I recognize the concerns it has raised among members of the Jewish community and beyond.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere apologies for any pain this situation may have caused. It was never my intention to offend or alienate anyone. At TIFF, we believe in the transformative power of film to foster understanding and dialogue, especially during challenging times.
My intention was to screen The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue, which is why I extended the invitation for the film to participate in this year’s festival. Given the sensitive and significant nature of the film’s subject, I believe that it tells an important story and contributes to the rich tapestry of perspectives in our lineup – stories that resonate both here at home and around the world.
I want to be clear: claims that the film was rejected due to censorship are unequivocally false. I remain committed to working with the filmmaker to meet TIFF’s screening requirements to allow the film to be screened at this year’s festival. I have asked our legal team to work with the filmmaker on considering all options available.
The events of October 7, 2023 and the ongoing suffering in Gaza weigh heavily on us, underscoring the urgent need for compassion amid rising antisemitism and Islamophobia. While we are not a political organization, TIFF will always strive to present our programming in a safe, inclusive environment.
I ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate this complex landscape. Thank you for your continued support. It is my great hope that this year’s Festival will be a celebration of these values, and the power film holds to bring people together.
Sincerely,
Cameron Bailey
CEO, TIFF