The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) issued a statement on 12September2024 the Canada-France film “Russians at War” directed by Anatasia Trofimova would be “paused” and there would be a screening “when it is safe to do so”. TIFF said it was aware “of significant threats to festival operations and public safety”. It would seem there are some (how many) that label the documentary as Russian propaganda. Yes harken to the 1966 film “The Russians are Coming The Russians are Coming! At bit of paranoia in the air here?
Director Trofimova takes the battle right to the front and Russian troops from medics, cooks and seasoned and unseasoned soldiers speak their minds.
The documentary is unlike most war documentaries and may be unsettling to see many soldiers in the film being killed or wounded in action. There are open, bitter and cynical views of the Russian soldiers about the justification of the mutual slaughter. Yes there is a “patriot” or two but the patriotism seems vague and without any passion. Like many soldiers in combat many of the Russian troops are doubtful about why they are in a foreign land fighting a war.
What is the conclusion to be drawn once the film credits roll. The Russian troops are frightened or numbed out. They are demoralized after they are hammered by the Ukrainian forces. Comparisons to “Platoon” and “All Quiet on the Western Front” can be drawn here. Mismanaged grunts quickly realizing the brutality of war minimized and glorified of course by Russian politicians and the media.
A TIFF “pause” ensures greater demand to see the film. Wasn’t it the Soviet Union that banned films in its totalitarian days?
Watch the trailer here https://tiff.net/events/russians-at-war
RKS 2024 Film Rating 95/100.
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