The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has withdrawn a documentary from its 2025 lineup due to concerns over footage rights and security. The film, titled _The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue_, recounts a family's experience during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel.

The documentary, produced by Melbar Entertainment Group and directed by Barry Avrich, focuses on retired Israel Defense Forces General Noam Tibon. It tells the story of Tibon's urgent journey from Tel Aviv to Kibbutz Nahal Oz, where he sought to rescue his son Amir's family amid the chaos of the attack.

In a statement, the TIFF team explained that the filmmakers did not secure the necessary legal clearance for all footage, which was a requirement for inclusion in the festival. This decision was made to mitigate potential risks associated with screening a film on such a sensitive topic. TIFF stated, "The purpose of the requested conditions was to protect TIFF from legal implications and to allow TIFF to manage and mitigate anticipated and known risks around the screening of a film about highly sensitive subject matter, including potential threat of significant disruption."

The filmmakers expressed their disappointment over the festival's decision. They described themselves as storytellers rather than political activists and emphasized the importance of their film in sparking dialogue. "We are shocked and saddened that a venerable film festival has defied its mission and censored its own programming by refusing this film," Avrich's team stated. They added, "Ultimately, film is an art form that stimulates debate from every perspective that can both entertain us and make us uncomfortable. A film festival lays out the feast and the audience decides what they will or won’t see."

The controversy surrounding the film's withdrawal has drawn criticism from various groups. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) condemned TIFF's decision, claiming it allows a small group to dictate what films can be shown. They stated, "This shameful decision sends an unmistakable message: Toronto’s Jewish community, which has long played an integral role at TIFF, is no longer safe or welcome."

In response to the backlash, CIJA has urged its supporters to contact TIFF's CEO, Cameron Bailey, to advocate for the film's inclusion in the festival. The group Canadian Women Against Antisemitism has also called for action against TIFF's decision, emphasizing the need for cultural integrity.

The film's production team has indicated their intention to release the documentary independently, inviting audiences to form their own opinions after viewing it. They maintain that the footage in question, which includes clips taken during the attack, is in the public domain.

TIFF is scheduled to take place from September 4 to 14 at various locations in downtown Toronto. The festival has faced scrutiny in the past for its programming choices, including the controversial inclusion of films that sparked protests.