The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) initially disinvited filmmaker Barry Avrich's documentary about the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel due to security and legal concerns, sparking an international outcry.

TIFF clarified that the withdrawal was based on legal requirements and safety issues, not censorship, and requested the filmmakers to modify the film's title and clarify the source of violent footage.

After discussions, TIFF and the filmmakers reached a joint solution, addressing security, legal, and programming concerns, and agreed to include the film in the festival lineup.

The film, which tells the story of retired Israeli General Noam Tibon's efforts to rescue his family during the Hamas attack, is expected to promote vital conversations about the events depicted.

Festival director Cameron Bailey and Barry Avrich announced that the documentary will be an official TIFF selection and will contribute to important societal discussions, with the world premiere scheduled to be announced on August 20, 2025.

The inclusion of the film aims to foster dialogue about complex political and security issues surrounding the October 7 attacks.

The filmmakers criticized the initial decision, claiming it censored their work and emphasizing that films should stimulate debate regardless of political content.

The filmmakers accused TIFF of censorship, but TIFF officials, including CEO Cameron Bailey, denied this, citing legal and safety concerns as the reasons for the initial disinvitation.

Protests occurred outside TIFF Lightbox, with demonstrators waving Israeli flags and calling for the festival director's resignation, though some organizations supported TIFF's decision for safety reasons.

TIFF has previously canceled screenings of sensitive films, such as a Russian propaganda film last year, reflecting a cautious approach to programming around controversial topics.

The documentary, titled 'The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,' follows Noam Tibon’s mission to rescue his family during the Hamas attack, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages.

TIFF later reversed its decision and announced the film would be shown on October 7, the anniversary of the attack, amid public and media pressure.