TIFF sees protests against Gaza genocide

Protests against the ongoing violence in Gaza have become a common sight at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

The protests are drawing attention to the Israeli atrocities in Gaza, calling for global action to halt the violence and genocide.

A group of anti-Zionist Jewish activists took their protest directly into a screening of an Israeli film at TIFF, demanding an end to the war and genocide in Gaza.

The protesters chanted slogans such as “RBC funds genocide” in reference to the Royal Bank of Canada.

RBC, a key sponsor of TIFF, has been under fire for its financial ties to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The demonstrators held signs reading messages like “RBC is killing our future”, underscoring their condemnation of the bank's support for the Israeli regime. 

The protests began on the festival's opening night, where supporters of Palestine gathered outside the Royal Bank of Canada, temporarily halting the event.

TIFF's collaboration with RBC has drawn significant backlash from pro-Palestinian advocates who argue that the bank's involvement with the Israeli regime contradicts the spirit of a cultural festival intended to celebrate artistic expression and unity.

TIFF director Cameron Bailey later issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The statement emphasized the festival's solidarity with those affected by the conflict.

The 49th edition of TIFF, which started on September 5, 2024, wraps on September 15.