The Decibel Oct. 7 documentary draws TIFF controversy
10 snips
Sep 4, 2025 
Barry Hertz, film editor at The Globe and Mail, dives into the heated debate surrounding the documentary 'The Road Between Us' at the Toronto International Film Festival. He discusses the initial pull of the film amidst political controversy and its eventual reinstatement. Hertz examines the balance festivals must strike between artistic freedom and public opinion. He highlights the broader implications of this incident for future programming choices and the challenges cultural institutions face in addressing sensitive global topics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Family Rescue During Oct. 7 Attack
- Barry Hertz describes The Road Between Us following retired IDF major general Noam Tibon rescuing family during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.
- He situates the film against the wider casualty and humanitarian toll in Gaza to show context.
Withdrawal Was Multi-Factorial
- TIFF withdrew the film citing internal opposition, security worries, and legal issues.
- The decision combined multiple operational concerns rather than a single stated reason.
Backlash Fueled Rapid Misunderstanding
- The withdrawal prompted claims of censorship and antisemitism from Jewish groups and media.
- Misunderstandings spread quickly, including false claims about needing Hamas clearance.