The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has canceled the screening of an Israeli documentary about the October 7 Hamas attacks, citing copyright concerns over the use of Hamas-produced footage. The decision came after questions arose regarding the inclusion of material filmed by Hamas during the attack, which was later used as evidence of atrocities.

The film, produced by Israeli filmmakers, sought to shed light on the events of October 7 by combining survivor testimonies, security recordings, and raw footage captured by the attackers themselves. TIFF stated that while the film’s subject matter is important, the festival must comply with international copyright laws, even when the material documents acts of terror.

Supporters of the documentary argue that such footage is critical to preserving historical truth and countering misinformation, while others worry that showcasing it without clear rights could create legal vulnerabilities or risk amplifying extremist propaganda. The filmmakers maintain their use of the footage is justified as part of a journalistic and historical record.

The incident has reignited debates within the film industry about the ethics of using perpetrator-shot material, the boundaries of artistic freedom, and how cultural institutions handle politically sensitive works.

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Haaretz – Full Article
Source: Haaretz, August 2025