CONTROVERSY: Ongoing Discourse

VENICE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES WORLD PREMIERE OF RUSSIANS AT WAR | UNITED24 MEDIA, A UKRAINIAN GOVERNMENT FUNDRAISING PLATFORM, PUBLISHES FIRST MEDIA MENTION

"DEADLINE: As always, you have a great docs lineup. The Russian film Russians At War by Anastasia Trofimova sounds fascinating for its critical approach to the invasion. Will the festival need to supply extra security for the filmmaker given its sensitive subject?

BARBERA: The filmmaker finished the film in Canada and France. She is planning to come with the film as far as we know. We haven’t discussed security yet but it will be something we discuss I’m sure."...

VENICE PRESS CONFERENCE AND WORLD PREMIERE

"Trofimova was asked at the Venice press conference on whether it was “ethical” to humanize Russian soldiers, in light of war crimes committed by Russia’s army during its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. “I find it a little bit of a strange question, if we can humanize or not humanize someone. So, are there lists of people who we can humanize and people who we can’t? Of course, we have to humanize everyone. This is a huge tragedy for our region, first of all, and for the entire world,” replied Trofimova." Deadline

THE AMBASSADOR OF UKRAINE TO CANADA AND THE CONSUL GENERAL OF UKRAINE IN TORONTO ISSUE STATEMENTS DEMANDING TIFF PULL FILM | DIRECTOR RELEASES STATEMENT | TVO PROGRAMMING RELEASES STATEMENT OF SUPPORT

"We believe it is irresponsible for TIFF, one of the world’s most reputable film stages, to be used to disseminate Russian propaganda. We call on the festival to cancel the this film screening." Yulia Kovaliv, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada

"Unfortunately, after weeks of intensive communication, the senior management of the festival has not demonstrated a willingness to address our concerns in a satisfactory manner." Oleh Nikolenko,...

RUSSIAN-CANADIAN DIRECTOR RESPONDS TO TIFF DOCUMENTARY BACKLASH, SAYS JOURNALISTS ‘FOLLOW THE STORY WHERE IT GOES’

"I had no idea I would be able to film this world. It was nothing short of a miracle, because I was missing this human portrait from the war on the Russian side. Anything they said, I was there to listen, not to preach about what I know about the war. They were completely shrouded from the rest of the world. The Nazism, we hear a lot about that in Russian media. But it’s their reality. When making documentaries, we want to show the reality of people and their motivations – what they believe." The Globe and Mail

TIFF PRESS/INDUSTRY SCREENING OF RUSSIANS AT WAR, PROTESTS OUTSIDE THEATRE | CANADA'S DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER COMMENTS | TVO BOARD ANNOUNCES THEY ARE DROPPING FILM | PRODUCERS RELEASE SECOND STATEMENT

"Canadian public money should not be used to support the production or screening of media that attempts to whitewash Russia’s war crimes. Ukrainians are fighting for their sovereignty and for democracy—there can be no moral equivalency in this conflict." Chrystia Freeland, former Deputy Prime Minister, X

"Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Freeland — who is of Ukrainian heritage — noted that both diplomats and the Canadian-Ukrainian community have expressed "grave concerns" about the film Russians at...

Everyone is quarrelling over the film "Russians at War". It was filmed on the Russian side of the front and shown in Venice. We are discussing with Meduza experts - military analysts and Anton Dolin - how to feel about this film

“What I know for sure is that these are not just random videos, neutral war chronicles. What we have before us is a film that is far from talentless. The choice of characters, the editing, the background music - absolutely every authorial decision directly influences the viewer's perception of what is shown. Directorial neutrality is impossible here. In fact, otherwise no one would consider Leni Riefenstahl's films propaganda , because she made documentaries. In "Russians at War" we see a carefully selected and sifted version of the "trench truth". translated from Russian Anton Dolin, Meduza

PITY FOR DISILLUSIONED INVADERS

“You will feel pity for the people dying in the film and for those we see crying for their loved ones. And you should - if you are a normal human being, you should feel pity, sadness, and emotion. However, it is also important to remember that these individuals joined the army that invaded an independent country, many of them willingly, as we learn from the film.” Darya Bassel, RAAM

TIFF 2024: Our Review of ‘Russians At War’ and so very much more….

“Here in the west we tend to hold on to a perspective of “good guys” and “bad guys” when it comes to war and conflict. The idea of seeing men and women participating in a war…because they have no choice has become entirely foreign to us; for better or for worse, but that’s exactly what *Russians At War* is about. It’s the profound sadness of the reality that there are men and women who have to endure these horrors pretty much because their country has mandated it on them. It’s tragic on so many levels.” David Voigt, In The Seats

Is TIFF’s Exit a Whimper, Not a Bang?

“Directed by Russian Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova, *Russians at War* is hardly the propaganda piece that Freeland, Ukraine’s consul-general in Toronto Oleh Nikolenko and others claim it to be. Anyone who watches the film will see that the Russians who Trofimova became embedded with aren’t a gung-ho unit of macho patriots. In classic verité style, Trofimova allows the soldiers to reveal their own ignorance of why the war is taking place and with the exception of one clearly foolish youngster, the troop doesn’t ringingly endorse their military arrival in Ukraine. Indeed, they are shown as being horrified at the destruction of towns in Ukraine; this is hardly a pro-war film.” Marc Glassman, POV

CANADA BANISHES A FILM WITH THE NERVE TO PORTRAY RUSSIANS AS HUMAN

“If Anastasia Trofimova’s film Russians at War is a piece of Kremlin-approved propaganda, as its legions of detractors allege, then whoever approved it should stay well clear of any high windows.” Chris Selley, National Post

RKS 2024 Film: “Russians at War”: The Russians are Coming The Russians are Coming!

“What is the conclusion to be drawn once the film credits roll? The Russian troops are frightened or numbed out. They are demoralized after they are hammered by the Ukrainian forces. Comparisons to “Platoon” and “All Quiet on the Western Front” can be drawn here. Mismanaged grunts quickly realizing the brutality of war minimized and glorified of course by Russian politicians and the media.” Robert K Stephen, Set The Bar

YULIA KOVALIV , AMBASSADOR OF UKRAINE TO CANADA, DENOUNCES TIFF DECISION TO RESCHEDULE RUSSIANS AT WAR

"Despite all calls to stop whitewashing Russian killers and rapers they still want to show this documentary under the roof of the festival. We call TIFF Board to step in and like @tvo board denounce the film." Yulia Kovaliv, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada

"Screening "Russians at War" is a significant blow to TIFF's reputation and journalism. Russian propaganda must be contained, not promoted in theaters." Oleh Nikolenko, Consul General of Ukraine in...

Konfliktstoff beim Filmfest Toronto: „Heretic“ und „Conclave“ diskutieren den Glauben, „Russians at War“ blickt auf den Krieg.

“"Russians at War" is clearly an anti-war film. Trofimova shows that the Russians being used up in Ukraine are there primarily for financial reasons, that they have to continue fighting without pay after completing their contracts. She shows the impact of propaganda, but also how cynicism and alcohol shape everything. And she demonstrates the continuing enormous influence of the Soviet Union.” translated from German Bert Rebhandl, Frankfurther Allgemeine

UKRAINE'S MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS ADDS DIRECTOR ANASTASIA TROFIMOVA TO "A LIST OF INDIVIDUALS POSING A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY." | CANADIAN SENATOR DONNA DASKO ADDRESSES THE ISSUE ON THE FLOOR OF THE CANADIAN SENATE | TIFF PRESENTS RUSSIANS AT WAR, WITH OPENING COMMENTS BY CEO CAMERON BAILEY

"Anastasia Trofimova became the 233rd on the list of persons who pose a threat to the national security of Ukraine, published on the website of the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine" Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, Ukraine

"Today I asked the government representative in the @SenateCA why the Canada Media Fund gave 340k to make the propaganda film “Russians at War”. See my question & his answer below." Senator Donna...

CENSORING ‘RUSSIANS AT WAR’ IS A TYPICALLY CANADIAN KIND OF COWARDICE

“As others who have seen the film agree, “Russians at War” is a wrenching portrayal of the boredom, confusion, horror and tragedy of combat. It’s the furthest thing from propaganda on behalf of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine you could imagine.” Andrew Phillips, Toronto Star

TIFF 2024: A Canadian Perspective on This Year’s Festival of Festivals

"After several well-received Ukrainian documentaries, “Russians at War,” directed by Russian/Canadian Anastasia Trofimova, provides a unique glimpse into the lives of the soldiers on what for them is the Western Front. Not dissimilar to Erich Maria Remarque’s novel about German soldiers in the Great War, Trofimova’s film gives a welcome perspective at the level of the individual soldier. While certainly not flawless, with some elements worthy of more deep criticism, the film became not only the subject of mass protests outside the venue by supporters of Ukraine believing it to be mere propaganda (none of whom had seen the film), and even members of Trudeau’s government excoriating the festival for playing the film at all. Screenings were eventually canceled due to security concerns, only to be then rescheduled for a few days following the fest within the confines of TIFF’s own facilities." Jason Gorber, RogerEbert.com

AT WAR WITH RUSSIANS AT WAR

"I can say explicitly, unflinchingly, 100% — whatever other adjectives you want to use — that I have not received any support, any permission or anything of the sort from the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Russian authorities, or any other Russian state organization, including RT Documentary and all its affiliates. I have been doing this film by myself because I understand the dangers involved, and I didn't want to put anybody else in danger." Bug-eyed and Shameless

ZURICH FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES CANCELLATION OF PUBLIC SCREENINGS OF RUSSIANS AT WAR FOR SAFETY REASONS, FILM WILL REMAIN IN COMPETITION | CANADIAN SENATORS DONNA DASKO AND STAN KUTCHER SEND LETTER TO THE WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REQUESTING WIFF CANCEL ITS SCREENINGS

"The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) has decided not to screen the Canadian French documentary RUSSIANS AT WAR publicly, due to safety reasons. For the ZFF, the safety of its audience, guests, partners, as well as the staff is the top priority." Zurich Film Festival

"On Sep 26, @StanKutcher & I sent a letter to @Windsoriff film festival asking them to reconsider showing "Russians at War". This Russian propaganda film is not worthy to be shown at this festival. We're still waiting for a reply #NoStageForRussia @kovaliv_y @ukrcancongress" Senator Donna Dasko

THE FILM BEING BLACKLISTED FOR ‘HUMANISING’ RUSSIANS AT WAR

"“They [TIFF] told me they’d had more than 2,700 emails, with racial and misogynist threats,” she says. “They had to get me a security detail – it was the first time in my life that I’ve ever had that.” The Telegraph

UKRAINE MP YAROSLAV YURCHYSHYN CALLS FOR SBU INVESTIGATION

"The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) opened an investigation of Anastasia Trofimova, the Russian director of the documentary Russians at War, said Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, head of the parliamentary committee on freedom of speech, on Oct. 7." The Kyiv Independent

"We want to achieve a harsher punishment for violating Ukrainian law. And it is Ukraine that should be the first to initiate a case against Trofimova. Today I found out that at my request, the Security Service of Ukraine initiated a pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings on the grounds of Part 3 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (justification and recognition of the legitimacy of Russian aggression), said Yurchyshyn." UNN

SÃO PAULO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS RUSSIANS AT WAR IN ITS NEW DIRECTORS COMPETITION

"Anastasia Trofimova, a Russian-Canadian filmmaker, gains unprecedented access to follow a Russian Army battalion in Ukraine. Without any official clearance or permits, she earns the trust of foot soldiers and for much of 2023 embeds herself with the battalion as it makes its way across Eastern Ukraine. What she discovers is far from the narratives propagated by the East or West: a war cutting through family and historical ties, soldiers disillusioned and often struggling to understand what they are fighting for.Presented at the Venice International Film Festival." 48ª Mostra Internacional de Cinema em São Paulo

FIDOCS PRESENTS RUSSIANS AT WAR IN ITS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

"After a chance encounter with a soldier on a train, director Anastasia Trofimova begins to question the motivations and perceptions of those leading the Russian battalion. This film follows a group of soldiers who, as the days go by, seem to have a less clear understanding of what they're really after in that war. It's a direct and raw portrait, primarily of the masculinities involved in a conflict that's increasingly meaningless." Festival Internacional de Documentales de Santiago

TEN SOLD-OUT SCREENINGS OF RUSSIANS AT WAR, AND A DISCUSSION PANEL, ARE PRESENTED AT THE BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL

"We note with concern that more and more people around the world are choosing culture as their battlefield. Instead of dialogue and a search for solutions, there are conflicts and misunderstandings, deals and threats, as well as the harming of others under political pressure, be they people, creations or feelings. Like many other innocent people, representatives of culture, institutions and those who try to keep it alive are under attack, be they theatres like Mariupol, directors or festivals around the world, who are threatened and put under political pressure, causing, or even forcing independent professionals to give up their work dedicated to culture and society." BIDF Statement

EMBASSY OF UKRAINE TO HUNGARY POSTS STATEMENT FROM THE UKRAINIAN INSTITUTE

DID CANADA FUND PUTIN’S PROPAGANDA? OR CENSOR JOURNALISM?

“There is no way to see this film and understand it as a piece of Russian state or military propaganda. The best evidence, the conclusive evidence against that narrative, is the film itself…If this is Russian war propaganda, it’s the worst propaganda I have ever seen. The film is an astonishing document and, once I saw it, I knew my understanding of this story via Chrystia Freeland’s words, via the protests of Ukrainian-Canadian groups, was 100% wrong.” Jesse Brown, Canadaland

ANASTASIA TROFIMOVA: THERE IS A LOT OF LIFE IN THE MIDST OF A WAR

"Some people told me: "It's too early for this film. It should come out in five years, ten years, after the war". I disagree. I want to show the full ugliness of the war now, as a force for peace. Often we - media – are a bit like vultures. We descend on the corpse once it's dead and we start picking at it, analyzing it. After the cycle of war is complete, after the politicians have shaken hands, the fear and hatred subside and we can finally see each other as people. I want to try to break the cycle of war and try to see each other as people now." Maarten Fornerod, Substack

A WAR – IMPRESSIONS OF A FILM

"The film makes a great impression on me. The images and the people stay with me. I would like to see it again, but that is not possible. “What have we been watching?” someone who was also there asked. To find out, I am trying to write down the story and the images here. I hope that the power of the images will come across, and that something will become clear about what Trofimova wanted to say. Although it remains my interpretation, and my feeling. The film deserves to be seen by many more people." translated from Dutch Ton Rullmann, Without Weapons

RUSSIANS AT WAR SEES RELEASE–AND DESERVES YOUR CONSIDERATION

"Go into Russians at War with a willingness to wade through the fog and see the bigger picture. By doing so, you’ll find a remarkably courageous feat of documentary filmmaking. The access that Trofimova gets while hunkering down with soldiers is indeed impressive—doubly so that it was captured without authorization or press credentials." Pat Mullen, POV Magazine

A YEAR AFTER CONTROVERSIAL TIFF PREMIERE, RUSSIANS AT WAR DESERVES TO BE SEEN

"Like Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger’s lauded 2010 doc Restrepo, following U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, or Deborah Scranton’s landmark 2006 doc The War Tapes, which largely consisted of footage shot by National Guard soldiers while deployed in Iraq, Trofimova’s film is a raw work of observational cinema meant to plunge the audience into a very specific, very narrow reality." Bary Hertz, The Globe and Mail

WE FINALLY WATCHED ‘RUSSIANS AT WAR’ — IT'S WORSE THAN WE THOUGHT

"At its core, “Russians at War” is a troubling film, marked by a deliberate ambiguity that functions as an ideological tool and shapes how viewers look at Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. From the very start, Trofimova sets this tone in her voiceover: “This is the Luhansk People’s Republic. Or occupied eastern Ukraine. Or the new Russian territories. It depends on who you ask.” War is presented as a matter of personal perspective, rather than a clear-cut crisis measured against international law and state sovereignty." Kate Tsurkan, The Kyiv Independent

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (TIFF) ANNOUNCES NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE OF RUSSIANS AT WAR

"Russians at War reminds us of the human cost on both sides. As Trofimova so eloquently puts it, “the fog of war is so thick that you can’t see the human stories it’s made of." Toronto International Film Festival

RUSSIAN-CANADIAN DIRECTOR SHOWED RUSSIAN ARMED FORCES SOLDIERS AS ORDINARY PEOPLE. WHY DID SHE DO IT?

"Of course, I expect that there will be many complaints about me showing Russian soldiers from some humanistic side. I assume this because I worked a lot with foreign journalists in Russia and then read what people wrote to them on social networks from the Ukrainian side or those supporting the Ukrainian side. Journalists were usually reproached for humanizing Russians. But I don’t quite understand – what, do we need to dehumanize?" translated from Russian People of Baikal

What does war look like? Films about Russia's invasion of Ukraine are a major part of the Venice Film Festival. We tell you how they turned out

"Anastasia Trofimova has made a unique film, coming close to Russian soldiers, their sorrows and joys, up close, at the distance of a sisterly embrace. Narratively and visually, this is an outstanding work. In Trofimova’s lens, the soldiers, as she wanted, are not monsters or heroes, but the most ordinary men." translated from Russian
Irina Karpova, Novaya Gazeta Europe

“RUSSIANS AT WAR”

“As for the atrocities that Russian soldiers have been accused of, a young soldier can’t believe such a thing would be possible. “Why would someone do something like that?” The problem with accepting so much at face value, however, is that the atrocities aren’t just accusations; they are well-documented events. And giving herself the apolitical task of humanizing the ordinary soldier, Trofimova seems unaware that being apolitical isn’t an option in a time of war. The film itself neither challenges its own premise nor gives convincing support for it. The humanizing scenes feel both staged and cliched.” John Beasdale, Next Best Picture

TIFF ’24: What to See at This Year’s Fest, Sept. 13

“At the heart of this storm lies a powerful, heartbreaking documentary about an unjust war. The controversy, largely driven by protests, seems rooted in speculation — primarily from those who likely haven’t even seen the film.” Thom Ernst, Original Cin

IN SEEKING TO HUMANIZE RUSSIAN SOLDIERS, ‘RUSSIANS AT WAR’ GLOSSES OVER THEIR ATROCITIES

“In “Russians at War,” Trofimova asserts on camera that “the fog of war is so thick that you can’t see the human stories it’s made of.” Yet through the approach she has taken — which skirts around questions of Ukrainian humanity and suffering, the agency of Russian soldiers and her own documentary process — she is bound to create a film that will do little but thicken the fog of war even further.” Ian Garner, The Moscow Times

WHITEWASHING RUSSIAN SOLDIERS IS AN INSULT TO THE UKRAINIAN VICTIMS OF THEIR INVASION

“Ms. Trofimova has called the invasion “unjustified” and “illegal.” But if she believes that, she should give her footage to Ukrainian prosecutors and The Hague, which should convict not only Vladimir Putin and his entourage, but also the ordinary Russians who did the actual killing. And if those soldiers really want the war to end, they should lay down their arms and leave Ukraine.” Lidiia Karpenko, The Globe and Mail

RUSSIANS AT WAR IS AN EXCEPTIONAL DOCUMENTARY AND NEEDS TO BE SEEN

The only “propaganda” this documentary serves up is an anti-war message that should be delivered as far and wide as possible. The experience of watching the film has something in common with war: you can’t wait for it to be over. It is excruciating. It is extraordinary. Marsha Lederman, The Globe and Mail

‘RUSSIANS AT WAR’ ISN’T PROPAGANDA, IT’S A VITAL TESTAMENT TO THE HORRORS OF PUTIN’S BRUTALITY

“It serves the purpose of every side in a war to demonize the enemy. But Trofimova has tried, valiantly, to depict the humanity of the enemy, documenting in real time the sobering realities so poignantly rendered in classic movies such as “All Quiet on the Western Front’’ — the German remake of which won four Oscars last year.” Rosie DiManno, Toronto Star

CANADIAN TAXPAYERS FUNDED RUSSIA PROPAGANDA

"Forget about any Russian propaganda in the United States being pushed by American influencers though a connection to a woman who used to live in Canada, this is direct funding of Russian propaganda by Canadian taxpayers." Brian Lilley, Toronto Sun

TIFF ANNOUNCES THAT RUSSIANS AT WAR HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

"The documentary Russians at War will play at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Lightbox on Tuesday, after the festival suspended showings earlier this week due to security concerns." CBC

TIFF Dispatch 4: The Final Days, Winners and Controversy

“It doesn't occur to Tromifova that there's a reason why members of the press get credentials and a special status in warzones. And when the soldiers give her one of their uniforms to wear and "blend in," she doesn't consider the implications of putting the uniform on. This is reckless behavior from Tromifova, one that sidesteps all ethical considerations in the pursuit of some idea of truth.” C.J. Prince, Edge Media Network

‘RUSSIANS AT WAR’ DIRECTOR TALKS CRITICS AND BACKLASH

"Once you start to talk to them [the soldiers] about various reasons, "how do you explain yourself," you understand there's not much of an understanding. It's a lot of repetition of what they see in the media. And, then, when what they see in the media turns out to be not what they see in real life, they start to question themselves and they don't have answers." CBC Frontburner

TIFF 2024: War on Film

“In watching this film, it became apparent that this type of war is what happens when there is no access to free press and information as we know to be the case in Russia. No one can put into words why the war is necessary in a way that makes sense. There is a point in the film when one person says, “it is slavs killing slavs.” No killing of fellow humans is justified when we, at our most basic, comprehend that average citizens always lose when governments take to arms for the sake of power over ‘the other.’” Hye’s Musing, September 17

LUNENBURG DOC FEST RELEASES STATEMENT THAT THE FESTIVAL WILL PRESENT RUSSIANS AT WAR, AS PLANNED, ON SEPTEMBER 20 | CANADIAN MP JAMES BEZAN PUTS FORTH PETITION TO HOUSE OF COMMONS

"The film “Russians at War” was selected to provide further insight into a tragic conflict which is still ongoing. While not a comprehensive study of the invasion, it does provide a window to observe the devastating impact of distant political decisions on the lives of less powerful individuals." Lunenburg Doc Fest

"The petitioners are calling upon the Government of Canada to get back all of the taxpayers' money, the $345,000, that went to the film's producer, Ms. Trofimova, who was employed by Russia Today in the past, which is sanctioned by the Government of Canada. She used those monies to bring out this misinformation campaign." James Bezan, MP, Selkirk—Interlake—Eastman, MB

RUSSIANS AT WAR COUNSEL SENDS LEGAL LETTER TO TVO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

"We write to you with profound concern regarding the Board’s sudden and unlawful decision to terminate TVO's commitment to air the Documentary. This decision represents a clear violation of the filmmakers' rights, not only under the broadcast agreement but also in terms of the broader principles of fairness, editorial independence, and respect for artistic integrity. Furthermore, the damage caused by this decision extends beyond mere contractual breach, encompassing significant reputational and financial harm to the filmmakers, as well as a chilling effect on free and open discourse." Playback

film review: Russians at War

"To call this documentary propaganda is to be deaf and blind." Allan Tong, Chino Kino

UKRAINE CANCELT RUSSISCHEN KRIEGSFILM IN ZÜRICH: REGISSEURIN TROFIMOVA ÜBER IHRE DOKU VON DER FRONT

"It's very scary for me to have people, who just work at festivals, who just want to have the opportunity to show people a story they've never seen, to be threatened." Die Weltwoche

THE RUSSIAN SOLDIER SAID, «MY ONLY WISH IS THAT I DON’T COME BACK AND FIND MY SON LOOKING AT ME AND SAYING, ‹WHO’S THIS SCREWED-UP GUY?›»

"It’s not my first war. I understand what the stakes are. With this one, with this war, the stakes for me became much higher. I’ve gone far, but maybe not this far. Not for seven months. Not this close. From the beginning, I sat down with myself and said: «There is a possibility that you could be arrested. You could be killed. Or you could be wounded. Are you OK with that?» Of course I’m OK with that." NZZ

"Russians at War", in Venice and elsewhere

“However, not once in the entire film does the director clearly state that it was an unjust invasion; the film may give the impression that the Russians have every right to fight in Ukraine. But – the way Russian soldiers slaughter Ukrainians is not shown anywhere, the emphasis is everywhere on how Russians die. The director-narrator insists that the audience sees what the camera sees, but if her or her characters know nothing about any war events and were not present at them, then their existence can be questioned.” translated from Latvian Elīna Reitere, Kino Rakts

WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS RUSSIANS AT WAR, ONE OF TEN FILMS NOMINATED FOR WIFF PRIZE IN CANADIAN FILM | SMALL PEACEFUL PROTESTS OUTSIDE THE VENUES FOR BOTH SCREENINGS | FILMMAKERS OF INTERCEPTED WITHDRAW FILM IN PROTEST

"In an emailed statement to the Star on Wednesday, a spokesperson for WIFF wrote “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. “We hope that all films at WIFF generate meaningful, critical and intelligent discussion in an environment that is safe, respectful and civil. WIFF’s founder has guided us with a single quote since our inception — ‘The end of the film is the beginning of the conversation’.” Windsor Star

"The Windsor Star has learned the makers of "Intercepted" pulled their film because WIFF is also presenting Russians at War, which some Ukrainians and other critics call pro-Russian propaganda." Windsor Star

HAVING BEEN INVITED TO APPEAR BEFORE THE SECU COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING “RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE AND DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGNS IN CANADA,” DIRECTOR ANASTASIA TROFIMOVA SUBMITS WRITTEN RESPONSE

"I believe in documentary as a medium that opposes propaganda. Documentary is about complexity, building bridges between people and faraway worlds. Propaganda is about simplification, dehumanization and censorship, in the name of political slogans. Censorship is what we see is being attempted here, under the guise of protection against Russian interference; disinformation is what we see here under the guise of fighting Russian disinformation." Anastasia Trofimova, Director, Russians at War

ANTENNA DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE OF RUSSIANS AT WAR, SMALL PEACEFUL PROTESTS OUTSIDE CINEMA ON OPENING NIGHT AND AT RUSSIANS AT WAR SCREENINGS.

"The decision to include Russians at War was not made lightly. Aware of the controversy it has generated globally, we engaged in extensive discussions about the film’s content and the complexities it presents. While not a comprehensive study of the invasion, Russians at War offers a perspective on the conflict that we believe holds value." Antenna Statement

"Rather than presenting a balanced or objective view, Russians at War equates the aggressor with the victim, ultimately serving as a tool of Russian propaganda. The film distorts the reality of the...

TWO SCREENINGS OF RUSSIANS AT WAR ARE PRESENTED IN THE HAGUE, THE FIRST IN A RECURRING SERIES - "FIRESIDE PEACE CHATS" - AT LEIDEN UNIVERSITY AND THE OTHER ORGANIZED BY A COALITION OF PEACE GROUPS AT GRANDE CAFÉ UTOPIE

"Based on this information, the Embassy will regard any support for the screening of this film as contributing into the Russian Federation’s information efforts against Ukraine." Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of the Netherlands Statement

"According to Ukraine’s Security Service, the film is an element of a Russian information-psychological operation designed to justify Russia’s war and influence foreign audiences…We urge institutions...

BANNED FILM BY ANASTASIA TROFIMOVA IN BELGRADE

"As a documentary filmmaker, I show what I see – no more, no less. I do not invent reality to suit the political demands of any side." (translated from Serbian) Politka

RUSSIANS AT WAR (2025) MOVIE DRINKING GAME & REVIEW

"In the end, I have to disagree with protestors of the film who posit that we should not see the enemy as human. I’ll shed no tears when Putin and his enablers and collaborators are each and all in the grave, but the humanization of the common soldier is not bad- in fact, it may be one of the only ways to end War." Henry J. Fromage, Movie Boozer

RUSSIANS AT WAR REVIEW | TRUTH IS THE FIRST CASUALTY

"It’s an un-winnable situation for Trofimova that creates a film unlikely to fully please anybody. The hardest of Russian sympathizers will complain that these soldiers are ungrateful and resentful, and all critics of Putin’s war won’t be able to look past the narrow viewpoint. It’s a brave film, but also unchallenging to sit through, unable to convince people of anything one way or the other." Andrew Parker, The Gate

REVIEW: DON’T BAN ‘RUSSIANS AT WAR’

"Since the launch of Russia’s war in Ukraine in 2022, there have been several acclaimed nonfiction films, many of them shot on the frontlines of the war. Nearly all of them, starting with the Oscar-winning 20 Days in Mariupol, have focused on Ukraine’s side of the war, often following Ukrainian soldiers and told in a way that’s sympathetic to Ukraine. Now, we have the first film about this war shown internationally, which tells the story of the war from the Russian side." Stephen Silver, National Security Journal

AN ANTI-WAR CAMERA SLIPS PAST PERMITS AND PLATITUDES, CAPTURING MOTIVES, INJURIES, AND DOUBTS WHILE INSTITUTIONS DEBATE SAFETY, SPEECH, AND EMPATHY.

"Trofimova offers a work that seeks humane truths. She absolves no one of responsibility; she shows soldiers who follow Russian propaganda, but explores how they are remotely controlled and misled. She took a truly considerable personal risk to make this anti-war film in the hope of making a small contribution to a swift end to this war. She is accused of lacking empathy. Humanity seems to be the enemy of the propaganda machine itself."

Dieter Wieczorek, Modern Times

ONLINE CONDEMNATION, DISINFORMATION BEGINS IN CRITICAL MASS

"#TIFF24 North American Premiere: Anastasia Trofimova’s RUSSIANS AT WAR." @TIFF_NET

"Idiotic move by @TIFF_NET to include on a lineup this piece of trash propaganda. Not only will this endear you to absolutely no one, your venues are not equipped to handle protests. This will not go...

VENICE DOCUMENTARIES ATTEMPT TO RECKON WITH RUSSIA’S ‘HISTORICAL, TRANSFORMATIVE, APOCALYPTIC’ WAR IN UKRAINE

"If you travel around Russia, it doesn’t feel like there’s a war going on,” Trofimova says. “People live their lives. Cafés are open. Everything is business as usual.” A veteran correspondent of conflicts in Syria, Iraq, the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere, the director hitched along with a Russian army unit and traveled to the war’s frontline, hoping to puncture that illusion of normalcy while also searching for a better understanding of what the soldiers taking up arms against Ukraine believed they were fighting — and dying — for." Variety

THROUGH THE "CANADA-UKRAINE PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP," UKRAINIAN MPs ADDRESS THEIR CANADIAN COUNTERPARTS

"Ukrainian MPs have called on their Canadian counterparts to prevent the screening of Russian-Canadian director Anastasia Trofimova's propaganda film "Russians at War" at the Toronto International Film Festival." Ukrinform

"Colleagues have been urged to step up work and apply all parliamentary measures to prevent the film from being screened at the Toronto Film Festival.

Russians at War

“Trofimova's film is an important document of its time. Now it is out in the world. She herself fears she will never be able to return to Russia. After the premiere in Venice, however, the criticism initially came from the Ukrainian side: the Russians, she said, were perpetrators, not victims.” translated from German Das Erste

DIRECTOR OF CONTROVERSIAL DOC ‘RUSSIANS AT WAR’ EXPLAINS HOW & WHY SHE CAPTURED REALITY OF RUSSIAN SOLDIERS IN UKRAINE – VENICE & TORONTO

"“There were so many slogans and politics and analytics about the next chess move… but there was no human face. The human face of the war from the Russian side was formed by journalists who’d never seen it, because Russian soldiers almost never spoke to anyone because they’re not really allowed to,” says the director." Deadline

DOCUMENTARY ‘RUSSIANS AT WAR’ SPARKS PROTEST, HEATED DEBATE IN TORONTO

"“Because of the geopolitical climate that exists, these guys [Russian soldiers] just wanted to share with someone. Yes, I went there and no one else has,” she explains. Her comments follow the Ukrainian-Canadian community protesting the Toronto Film Festival giving Trofimova’s film a North American premiere on Friday after a world premiere in Venice." The Hollywood Reporter

TIFF ISSUES STATEMENT THAT ITS SCREENINGS OF RUSSIANS AT WAR WILL PROCEED AS SCHEDULED

"In April, we issued a Programming Statement for Peace. Today, we would like to reaffirm this excerpt: As a cultural institution, we stand for the right of artists and cultural workers to express fair political comment freely and oppose censorship." Toronto International Film Festival

"Had a phone call with @TIFF_NET CEO Cameron Bailey. I emphasized that we will take all necessary legal actions to combat propaganda. This is not just a matter of reputation of the Festival, this is about the world's right to know the truth about the real criminals in this war." Mykola Tochytskyi, Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, Ukraine

TIFF ISSUES A NEWS ALERT ANNOUNCING A "PAUSE" OF ITS RUSSIANS AT WAR SCREENINGS

"Effectively immediately, TIFF is forced to pause the upcoming screenings of Russians at War on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as we have been made aware of significant threats to festival operations and public safety. While we stand firm on our statement shared yesterday, this decision has been made in order to ensure the safety of all festival guests, staff, and volunteers." Toronto International Film Festival

"Our priority as producers, through this production, has been the safety and security of our courageous director, Anastasia Trofimova, despite her steadfast acceptance of these risks to make her documentary. We had assumed those risks would originate within Russia, not Canada." Producers, Russians at War

MOSTRA DE VENISA : ANASTASIA TROFIMOVA, SON DOCUMENTAIRE À LA STORY INFLAMMABLE

"It all started at the Venice Film Festival. Where she nearly eclipsed George Clooney and Amal's fiery hair, a restyled Brad Pitt, and Nicole Kidman as a "baby girl." Anastasia Trofimova, a slender 37-year-old, presented her documentary "Russians at War," co-produced by the Capa agency, out of competition. There was a standing ovation in the audience, but a major brawl ensued backstage. A few tweets from Ukraine sparked the fire. Explanation: the young Russian-Canadian spent more than seven months in a Russian battalion on the Ukrainian front, sometimes risking her life." translated from French Elle France

La recensione su Russians at War

“If there were, in the film, a greater awareness of what those panoramas depict, a structure would have been derived, a trajectory readable across the 129 minutes, and instead Anastasiya Trofimova is interested, by explicit declaration in the film, in fanning out the articulated variety of visions of the soldiers, and trying to give coherence to individual editing figures to the detriment of the chance to follow human reasoning and the humanist and anti-war reading.” translated from Italian FilmTV

Russians at War, les trouffions de Poutine

“With a classic yet effective formula; with sometimes shocking but necessary images, and above all with access otherwise impossible for Western media, *Russians at War* is a particularly effective anti-war film. It's impossible, throughout the viewing, not to be angry at the soldiers, yes, but also at their bloodthirsty and power-hungry leaders who started a completely unnecessary war. A must-see. In such a context, censorship is frankly absurd.” translated from French Hugo Prévost, Pieuvre, September 15

DID PROTESTERS THREATEN THE FESTIVAL, OR DID THE FESTIVAL JUST NOT LIKE THIS ESSENTIALLY APOLITICAL DOCUMENTARY’S “POLITICS’

"But then this is an issue with documentary filmmaking in general these days. It’s not enough for a documentary to give us an accurate impression of people’s lives. Documentaries need to be making affirmatively correct political arguments. It is, of course, impossible to make an objective documentary if you go into it with that kind of assumption, nor would any of Trofimova’s subject likely have been honest with her about their motivations if she’d betrayed any obvious slant." William Schwartz, Book & Film Globe

TIFF cancelled it over threats. Now it’s back on the schedule. Why is ‘Russians at War’ so controversial? Read our four-star review

““Russians at War” is, despite the controversy surrounding it, an excellent and bracing documentary. Its observational honesty is its great feat, sharing the harrowing experiences of soldiers easily demonized in the West and glossed over by state media at home.” Corey Atad, Toronto Star

Russians at War, di Anastasia Trofimova

“The film by the Russian documentary maker, with an excellent experience of working in war theatres ( Victim of Isis and Her War: Women vs Isis both from 2015), is one of the most interesting and disruptive films of the Festival.” translated from Italian Tonino De Pace, Sentieri Salvaggi

HAD MS. FREELAND SEEN "RUSSIANS AT WAR"?

“This more or less successful film by a filmmaker whose opinion seems undecided yet ends in a cemetery where many war victims are buried. Over these somber images, the director pronounces this meaningful sentence: " Here lie the ordinary guys on whose bones big policies are made! Russians at War is not a propaganda film, but it is a film that will do nothing to help people understand this stupid war and hasten its end.” translated from French Guy Fournier, Le Journal de Montréal

‘RUSSIANS AT WAR’ IS PAINFUL AND ONE-SIDED BUT AN IMPORTANT SLICE OF A COMPLEX STORY

“Seeing the film, I certainly didn’t get the sense it’s propaganda the government in Moscow would benefit from or appreciate. The litmus test for me was asking myself this question: would Russian dictator Vladimir Putin be proud of this film? Would he want it shown at the Kremlin? Would he use it to encourage young men and women being sent to the front lines in Ukraine? I would overwhelmingly say no.” Donovan Vincent, The Toronto Star

ZURICH FILM FESTIVAL, HAVING ANNOUNCED THAT RUSSIANS AT WAR WILL BE PRESENTED IN ITS DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION, MEETS WITH THE UKRAINE AMBASSADOR TO SWITZERLAND, WHO POSTS TO X SHORTLY FOLLOWING | UKRAINIAN CANADA CONGRESS (UCC) RELEASES LETTER CALLING FOR RCMP INVESTIGATION

"Met with #ZFF Artistic Director @ChristianJungen today. Urged @zurichfilmfest to ban the screening of 'Russians at War' to avoid being weaponised by Russian propaganda. Evil should be stopped and punished, not justified." Iryna Venediktova, Ukrainian Ambassador to Switzerland

"The UCC calls on the RCMP to investigate whether any breach of Canadian sanctions policy or violation of Canadian international law took place in connection with the funding, filming, and screening of Russians at War, and whether any of the individuals or institutions involved in the financing, production or screening of this Russian propaganda film are an accessory to any possible breach of violation that may have taken place." Ukrainian Canadian Congress

THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND NATIONAL SECURITY (SECU) CONVENES FOR 1ST SESSION RE: “RUSSIAN INTERFERENCE AND DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGNS IN CANADA.” UCC PRESIDENT ALEXANDRA CHYCZIJ MAKES STATEMENTS ABOUT RUSSIANS AT WAR, INCLUDING CALLING FOR AN INVESTIGATION AND TO “SEIZE FOOTAGE.”

"I think it's scandalous that Canadian taxpayer money funded this production, and we call for a full investigation as to what she said on her application. Did she disclose that she worked for RT? Of course, RT has scrubbed any reference to her from its website. They understand that it's a liability now. However, we need to understand whether the Canadian funding agencies knew that she was a former employee—she produced 11 films for them—and whether they knew that she was entering sovereign Ukrainian territory with an invading army that is committing war crimes." Alexandra Chyczij, President, Ukrainian Canadian Congress

FOLLOWING DIRECT PRESSURE FROM THE UKRAINIAN AMBASSADOR TO GREECE, AND OTHERS, THE ATHENS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CANCELS ITS RUSSIANS AT WAR SCREENINGS, FILM REMAINS IN COMPETITION

"The decision to cancel the public screenings was made for the safety of both the audience and the festival staff. However, the documentary will remain in the Documentary Competition Section of the Festival and will compete for the Golden Athena award alongside the other competing films, emphasizing the choice of the AIFF to include it in this year's program from the start." Athens International Film Festival

"The Ukrainian community in Greece has successfully canceled the screening of the Russians at War film, produced by Russian propagandist Anastasia Trofimova who worked for the Kremlin-funded Russia Today news outlet. Halyna Maslyuk, one of the community’s leaders, shared this news in a statement to the Ukrainian World Congress." Ukrainian World Congress

MAMI: MUMBAI FILM FESTIVAL NOTIFIES PRODUCERS THAT IT HAS BEEN FORCED TO CANCEL PUBLIC SCREENINGS FOR RUSSIANS AT WAR AND NO OTHER LAND DUE TO A LAST-MINUTE DENIAL, WITHOUT EXPLANATION, OF THE CENSOR BOARD PERMISSIONS

"Sources say that both No Other Land and Russians at War were likely flagged for their politically sensitive content by the MIB. India’s stance to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine may have something to do with it." The Wire

Хорошие русские на войне

“”Russians at War" shows what the Russian army really is on the battlefield. That its soldiers have no paws and tails and there is no hellfire burning in their eyes - they are simply people deceived by their state, who cannot even in the trenches under fire clearly explain why they came here to die and kill.” translated from Russian Konstantin Shavlovsky, Kennan Institute blog

NRC (DUTCH MEDIA OUTLET) BREAKS NEWS THAT IDFA RESCINDED ITS AUGUST 13, 2024, INVITATION TO RUSSIANS AT WAR ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2024, THE DAY FOLLOWING THE CANCELLATION OF SCREENINGS AT ZURICH FILM FESTIVAL

"IDFA WITHDRAWS DOCUMENTARY ABOUT RUSSIAN SOLDIERS TO AVOID A 'SHITSTORM'"

"NRC was granted exclusive access to the film to assess the criticism. Trofimova uses the technique of cinéma vérité , capturing what people do and say, without intervening and with minimal commentary. Trofimova explains by phone: "I want to hear what someone says themselves. Documentary is about listening and questioning yourself. Realizing that it's complex, and listening to someone who isn't sure where they stand." The filmmaker sees this as the opposite of propaganda. "Propaganda wants a black-and-white distinction. I like it when films don't try to tell me what to think."" NRC

THE PRODUCERS OF RUSSIANS AT WAR AND TVO REACH A MUTUALLY SATISFACTORY SETTLEMENT OF THEIR DISPUTE AND AGREE NOT TO COMMENT ABOUT THE SETTLEMENT FURTHER

DOCVILLE (LEUVEN, BELGIUM) CANCELS ITS SCREENINGS OF RUSSIANS AT WAR AT THE REQUEST OF THE EMBASSY OF UKRAINE IN THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM

"The choice to programme Russians at War was definitely not one against Ukraine. The film, in our opinion, mostly showed the pointlessness of Russian violence. For us, the disillusionment of the Russian soldiers was - and is - an additional argument against the attack on Ukraine…However, out of enormous respect for the Ukrainian people and the specific request of the Ukrainian embassy not to screen this film, we are removing Russians at War from our programme." Docville Statement

"Belgian DOCVILLE festival cancels film whitewashing Russian war crimes"
"The Ukrainian Embassy appealed to the federal government, the government of Flanders, the local authorities of Leuven, the DOCVILLE festival leadership, and the Catholic University of Leuven, urging them to cancel the screening." The New Voice of Ukraine

OSLO DOKUMENTARKINO PRESENTS RUSSIANS AT WAR WITH A PANEL DISCUSSION

"We recognize that there are strong objections to the film. We have nevertheless chosen to show it – because it shows an important part of the war and a reality that official Russia is trying to hide. This is a film that provokes but also provides important insight and creates a good starting point for questions about propaganda, freedom of expression, censorship and the role of art in wartime." Oslo Dokumentarkino

"Screening of this film by Russian filmmaker Anastasiya Trofimova would starkly contradict the principled and staunch support demonstrated by Norwegian people, government and municipalities for...

RUSSIANS AT WAR: TROFIMOVA’S WILD DOC TAKES US BEHIND THE FRONTLINES

"Russians at War is a stunning and shocking piece of cinema. By stepping behind enemy lines, Trofimova offers some of the most graphic 1st-person war footage that we’ve seen in some time. That’s not to say it’s particularly gory. Instead, Russiansshows the violence of gunfire and the realities of carnage. Soldiers mishandle explosives, cannons are fired without permission and violence is everywhere. We see lives that are ruined, simply by the realities of war." Steve Norton, ScreenFish

DOCUMENTARY ABOUT RUSSIAN ARMY IS DEFINITELY NOT A RECRUITMENT FILM

"And now I'm going to say that it's a valuable documentary that I watched with complete fascination.So, hasn't Trofimova done anything wrong? Absolutely not. The fact that her observational documentary offers little commentary on what we see is a stylistically defensible choice, probably makes the soldiers more loose-lipped, and is part of my fascination with the film. But given the predictable international suspicion of a documentary about the current Russian army, it wouldn't have been out of place to clarify the filmmakers' own position in some way." translated from Dutch KEES Driessen, Filmkrant

FAR FROM HEROIC PROPAGANDA, THE DOCUMENTARY DEPICTS THE TRAUMATIZED RUSSIAN SOLDIERS OF THE UKRAINE WAR, WHOSE REAL WEAPONS ARE VODKA AND CIGARETTES.

"The fact that the film fails to show Russian guilt in the war is, in my opinion, a moral stance with arguments outside the context of the film. The film is anti-war in its intention. That it sends its message from Russia can be criticized, but the description of Putin's army and his poor population can hardly be said to be pro-Russian beyond the human factor." translated from Danish Bo Tao Michaëlis, Filmmagasinet Ekko

"DON'T FOLLOW ME. I'M LOST TOO."

"Twenty years ago, Dmitry Bykov wrote a novel called "ZhD" - about how the Varangians and Khazars fight for Russia, and the native population lives as homeless people, walks in circles and sleeps in carriages on the metro's ring line. Since then, the Varangians have settled in the Kremlin, and the Khazars have left the country through Sheremetyevo and Verkhny Lars. Trofimova's film is about the indigenous population. Her heroes are a collective Platon Karataev. Not the one that we study at school, invented by Tolstoy so that the tossing Pierre would finally understand the meaning of existence, but a real one, from life." (translated from Russian) Mikhail Edelstein, Novaya Gazeta