TORONTO — Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted a screening on the opening night of the Toronto International Film Festival, chanting “Stop the genocide!” during the opening speech.
At Thursday night’s screening of the David Gordon Green comedy “Nutcrackers,” four protesters walked down the center aisle of the Princess of Wales Theater, holding signs and flashlights, shouting criticism of festival sponsor Royal Bank of Canada. ‘Sever ties with RBC. they shouted.
Cameron Bailey, festival director, spoke on stage as the protest began. He tried to maintain order and urged the demonstrators: “We are here to start the festival.” Numerous members of the crowd booed the demonstrators.
The protest lasted a few minutes before demonstrators were led out by security. Several attendees posted videos of the episode online.
Festival representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
In a statement, RBC said: “We respect the right of individuals to have their voices heard, but it is unfortunate to see activist groups attempting to co-opt this important cultural event. Protesters who target corporate sponsors divert attention from artists’ work and weaken support for vital arts and cultural programs.”
The bank added: “The humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza continues to have a devastating impact and we deeply sympathize with all those affected.”
At last year’s TIFF, a campaign called RBC Off Screen also protested the festival sponsor. In an open letter to TIFF, the festival was called on to reconsider its relationship with RBC. Signatories included Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams and Joaquin Phoenix. They criticized the bank’s financing of the oil and gas industry.
