Protests Erupt at Toronto Premiere of October 7 Israel Rescue Documentary

The documentary "The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue," which chronicles retired Israeli Major-General Noam Tibon's efforts to save his family during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, premiered amid protests at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film includes violent Hamas bodycam footage and portrays Israeli security forces as rescuers, while also criticizing Israeli leadership for failures on that day. Pro-Palestinian protesters, some calling the film Israeli propaganda, gathered outside the venue alongside pro-Israeli supporters, leading to heightened tensions and the arrest of one person. TIFF initially removed the film from its schedule due to legal clearance issues but reinstated it after public backlash and agreements on security and footage use. The protests highlighted deep divisions, with some attendees and protesters labeling Israeli actions in Gaza as genocide, a claim Israel denies and which remains legally unresolved. Despite the controversy, the film was screened under heavy security, with audience members subjected to metal detectors and searches.