Below is the statement that representatives of the Toronto International Film Festival shared with media on Thursday. TIFF stands against the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the declaration of war this signifies. We hope for a swift return to peace and stability in the region and we extend our support to the people of Ukraine and those within Russia who stand against these attacks.

As an arts organization dedicated to transforming the way people see the world through film, we support artists and their freedom of expression. TIFF will continue to include films from independent Russian filmmakers in our programming at the Toronto International Film Festival and year-round at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Related Ukraine Government Compares Russian Invasion to ‘Die Hard’ in Social Media Video Ukrainian National Film Critics Circle Host Award Show in Underground Bunker Related The 15 Best Vampire Movies Ever Made 24 Famously Queer and Homoerotic Horror Movies, from ‘Psycho’ to ‘Hellraiser’
TIFF will suspend participation by film organizations and media outlets supported by the Russian state, as well as Russian cultural ambassadors and delegations related to our Festival. As we do this, we will seek to amplify the voices of Ukrainian and independent Russian filmmakers who continue to illuminate our understanding of conflict in the region. Alongside our international colleagues in the film world, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and the many Ukrainian artists and film professionals who have traveled to TIFF over the years. The statement arrives as major studios have all pulled their films from release in Russia, and the European Film Academy has been Russian films entirely from consideration for the end-of-2022 European Film Awards. Netflix has also paused all Russian productions and acquisitions as the industry continues to assess the situation. After two consecutive years of a mostly virtual event, TIFF is resuming in-person festivities this coming fall. The festival is set to take place September 8–18, TIFF representatives announced February 24. For its 47th edition, Toronto will feature 11 days of screenings and events. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.