A documentary showcasing the daring rescue mission by a retired Israeli general on October 7, 2023, has clinched the People’s Choice Award for best documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Titled “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue” and directed by Barry Avrich, the film attracted both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrations during its lone screening.
The winners were announced at the TIFF Lightbox theatre, the festival’s venue, after the list was released on Sunday morning. The documentary follows retired Israeli general Noam Tibon’s quest to save his family during Hamas attacks in southern Israel that resulted in 1,200 fatalities and 251 abductions, as reported by Israeli sources.
Earlier, TIFF had withdrawn the film citing security concerns and rights issues, a move that drew backlash from politicians, Jewish groups, and entertainment industry personalities. However, the festival later reinstated the documentary, with CEO Cameron Bailey pledging improved transparency in programming decisions.
The prestigious People’s Choice Award, often seen as a predictor for the Oscars, was bestowed upon “Hamnet,” a film by Chloé Zhao recounting a Shakespearean tale starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” secured the first runner-up position, and Rian Johnson’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” was named the second runner-up.
In the Midnight Madness program, Matt Johnson’s “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” claimed the People’s Choice Award. Additionally, “Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband),” directed by Zacharias Kunuk, was honored as the best Canadian feature film, while “Blue Heron,” a creation by Toronto’s Sophy Romvari, was recognized with the Best Canadian Discovery Award for emerging filmmakers.