Local Ukrainians protest 'Russians at War' film being screened at WIFF

Local Ukrainians are asking anyone planning to see Russians at War at the Windsor International Film Festival to swap those tickets for another movie.

It's a documentary made by Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova who gained "unprecedented access" and embedded herself with Russian soldiers as they moved across eastern Ukraine in 2023.

"This whole film is based on Russian propaganda and it's especially hard on those Ukrainian newcomers who have come to Windsor who have lived through these atrocities," said Carol Guimond, acting president of the Windsor branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

But film producer Cornelia Principe said that's not at all the intention of the film.

"Like most documentaries, you start out with one thing and you get something different," said Principe. "But in the end, always the beginning was we wanted to make an anti-war film. Initially, we were doing it with protestors and in the end we made an anti-war film with soldiers."

And if people feel this film is Russian propaganda, Principe said it's "the worst propaganda ever made."

"Because if this film is shown in Russia, it's not going to support the war effort, it's going to undermine the war effort because people are going to see their own men dying and disillusioned," said Principe.

Guimond said she's seen the movie's trailer, but not the film itself, but has heard from others who have.

The film is being screened Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Chrysler Theatre as well as 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the University of Windsor Armouries building.

Protestors plan to be outside both of those venues at when those movies are screened, Guimond said.

Windsor International Film Festival executive director Vincent Georgie declined an interview, but said in a statement it's up to the public whether they choose to view a film or not.

"We are proud to be screening quality, challenging films that our discerning audience can choose to engage with, criticize, and ultimately reflect upon what the filmmakers are saying. That choice is entirely in the hands of our audience," said Georgie.

"We hope that all films at WIFF generate meaningful, critical and intelligent discussion in an environment that is safe, respectful and civil."

On September 11, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) announced it will not be pulling the controversial Russian documentary.

However, a day later it suspended screenings of the movie after what it described as "significant threats to festival operations and public safety."