The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has made the decision to temporarily halt screenings of the documentary “Lessons of Love” due to significant threats received by the festival organizers.
The film, directed by Russian filmmaker Alina Rudnitskaya, follows the lives of young Russian soldiers as they undergo military training and explore their sexuality. It was set to have its North American premiere at TIFF on September 11.
However, after receiving numerous threats, including death threats, the festival has decided to pause screenings of the film. In a statement, TIFF said, “We take these threats seriously and the safety and security of our staff, audiences, and filmmakers is our top priority.”
The threats are believed to be coming from a group of Russian nationalists who have taken issue with the film’s portrayal of the soldiers and their experiences. The film has faced backlash in Russia, with some calling it “anti-patriotic” and “anti-Russian.”
TIFF has not disclosed the nature of the threats or the specific measures being taken to ensure the safety of those involved with the festival. However, they have stated that they are working closely with law enforcement and will continue to monitor the situation.
Rudnitskaya has expressed disappointment over the decision to pause screenings, stating that the film is not meant to be political or controversial, but rather a human story about love and self-discovery.
This is not the first time that TIFF has faced controversy surrounding a film. In 2019, the festival faced backlash for screening the documentary “The Rise of Jordan Peterson,” which explores the controversial Canadian psychologist and his rise to fame.
TIFF has not announced when or if screenings of “Lessons of Love” will resume. In the meantime, the festival will continue to showcase a diverse range of films from around the world, promoting the power of storytelling and the freedom of expression.
