The producers of ‘Russian at War’ are threatening TVO with legal action to pull the film
Lawyers representing the producers of “Russian at War” say they may take legal action against the Ontario public broadcaster for supporting the controversial film amid outcry from the Ukrainian public and some Canadian politicians.
The letter to TVO’s board and executives demands that the network immediately restore its commitment to airing “Russians at War,” or allow the filmmakers to license the film to another broadcaster or broadcast platform.
The letter states that if the matter is not resolved within the next 10 working days, the filmmakers will be left with “no other option but to pursue all legal remedies,” including claims for breach of contract, defamation, and related damages. or any financial loss of the project.
The film by the Russian-Canadian director Anastasia Trofimova – which captures the experience of Russian soldiers on the front lines of the war in Ukraine – caused a huge backlash from Ukrainian officials and the Ukrainian Congress of Canada, which called it “Russian propaganda.”
That concern has been echoed by some Canadian politicians, including Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who has Ukrainian heritage.
The documentary was co-produced with TVO and was partially funded by the Canada Media Fund’s broadcast resources, but TVO’s board of directors canceled plans to air it on the network, citing the response it had received.
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The Documentary Organization of Canada said last week it was “deeply shocked” by TVO’s decision to withdraw its support and that it “raises serious concerns about political interference.”
TVO board chairman Chris Day says the broadcaster will not comment publicly on legal matters.
In a letter to TVO sent Thursday, attorney Danny Webber of Hall Webber LP called the decision to withdraw the film a “flagrant violation of the rights of the filmmakers” that caused “reputational and financial damage” to the group behind the film.
“Russians at War” was supposed to make its North American premiere during the Toronto International Film Festival, but the screening had to be postponed to Tuesday because of threats of violence against TIFF staff and the performance, organizers said.
Protesters gathered outside Tuesday’s parade, with activists saying governments had withdrawn funding for the festival.
-With additional files from Global News
© 2024 The Canadian Press
