Anti-Netanyahu film premieres at TIFF despite efforts to block it
What's the story
The world premiere of the anti-Benjamin Netanyahu documentary, The Bibi Files, proceeded as planned at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Monday night (local time). This comes after a failed attempt by the Israeli government to halt the screening.
The film, directed by Alexis Bloom and produced by Oscar and Emmy-winning documentarian Alex Gibney, is based on previously unreleased interrogation tapes of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Film details
'People are dying every day,' says producer Gibney
The Bibi Files presents a critical view of Netanyahu, focusing on his ongoing corruption trial and the recent war in Gaza.
It uses a combination of historical commentary and direct observation to portray Netanyahu as a leader who has abused power for personal gain, to the detriment of his country.
The film also offers candid insights into key figures in modern Israeli politics.
Audience response
Film's premiere met with mixed reactions
The premiere of The Bibi Files was met with a standing ovation from the audience, some of whom held up signs calling for a ceasefire and hostage deal.
However, not all reactions were positive. One audience member pointed out that Netanyahu has not been found guilty of any charges.
Outside the venue, protesters chanted in Hebrew for new parliamentary elections, a ceasefire, and a hostage deal.
Legal challenge
Netanyahu's lawyers unsuccessfully attempted to block film's screening
Netanyahu's legal team had sought to prevent the screening of The Bibi Files, arguing that it was subject to a privacy law that could put the source of the interrogation tapes at risk.
However, Judge Oded Shaham rejected the motion to immediately block the film, allowing the screenings at TIFF to proceed.
The film does not yet have any distribution deals.
Film background
Director Bloom started making film during judicial reform protests
Bloom began working on The Bibi Files during the judicial reform protests in Israel that started in early 2023.
She said the film has gained added urgency in light of the Hamas invasion of Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
"You can see this pattern going on worldwide, this democratic backsliding," she commented on the protests' triggering event.