Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the opening screening of the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday.
Protesters rallied against the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the official bank partner of this year's festival. VarietyA total of four anti-Israel protesters reportedly entered the 6pm performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Princess of Wales Theatre chanting, “RBC is funding genocide.” film It's a drama comedy starring Ben Stiller and directed by David Gordon Green.
Protesters disrupted the film's opening night premiere at the Toronto Film Festival to criticize festival sponsor RBC: “RBC funds genocide!” The crowd was extremely hostile, chanting “go away” and booing. pic.twitter.com/5cRShKyJx7
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) September 5, 2024
New York Times reporter Kyle Buchanan posted videos of protesters, one of which shows the moment the film was stopped for people to hold up signs with messages, including one that read, “RBC is killing our future.”
Audience members who had bought tickets to the highly anticipated screening reacted to the unexpected interruption by yelling back at the protesters, at times yelling “Go home!” and loudly booing, as seen on video.
The protests are believed to be a response to RBC's alleged financial ties to Israel, which has seen widespread protests in Toronto since the country's war with Gaza began in October 2023.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – SEPTEMBER 5, 2024: Atmosphere at The Nutcracker Premiere Party hosted by Don Julio at Mr. C during opening night of the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto, Ontario. (Kennedy Pollard/Getty Images, courtesy of Don Julio Tequila)
According to Variety, security forces quickly escorted the protesters out of the theater and there have been no further reports of incidents.
TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey continued with his opening remarks despite the interruption. One of the videos was show.
RBC was reported to have issued a statement saying, “While we respect the right of individuals to express their opinions, it is disappointing to see activist groups attempting to hijack this important cultural event. Protests targeting corporate sponsors distract attention from artists' work and undermine support for vital arts and cultural programming.”
“The humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza continues to have a devastating impact and our deepest sympathies are with all those affected. We continue to hear from employees, customers and local residents, and understand this is difficult for anyone with a connection to the region,” they told Variety. (RELATED: 'Fuck Israel, Fuck Zionism': Pro-Palestinian Activist Confronts Alec Baldwin in Fiery Video)
Bailey has not commented publicly about the incident.
