The Canadian Association of Content Exporters (CACE/ACEC) and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) have joined the chorus of organizations speaking out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

CACE/ACEC, an association of Canadian distributors, has confirmed to Playback Daily that its members have suspended business ties with Russia.

The association includes 9 Story Media Group, WildBrain, Media Ranch, Blue Ant Media, Cineflix Media, Corus Entertainment, Entertainment One and marblemedia.

“In taking this position we recognize that many of our industry partners and friends in Russia do not support the actions of their government,” read the statement.

Association members have also issued their own respective statements this week, including Cineflix Media and Corus Studios.

“Like other media groups, Cineflix Rights sympathizes with Russian creatives who are caught in a very difficult situation. However, in the light of current circumstances, we have decided to put a pause on distributing Russian content,” a Cineflix spokesperson tells Playback Daily.

The Cineflix Media distributor holds the rights to Russian titles such as TV-3’s An Ordinary Woman, which it acquired in 2018.

Corus Studios, which has previously sold content to Russian network JSC First, has suspended sales to the region.

“In response to Russia’s military action in Ukraine, effective immediately and until further notice, Corus has suspended all business relations and transactions with corporations or individuals living or operating in Russia. All of us at Corus stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and support the efforts underway to restore peace,” said a spokesperson from parentco Corus Entertainment.

Blue Ant Media and marblemedia issued statements about cutting business with Russia earlier this week, with Blue Ant pulling Love Nature from Russian channels. Playback‘s parent company Brunico Communications also released a statement this week that it would suspend business with Russia, which includes the Banff World Media Festival, Kidscreen Summit and Realscreen Summit.

TIFF has also weighed in on the situation. The festival said in a statement on Thursday (March 3) that it will “continue to include films from independent Russian filmmakers,” both for its annual September event and its year-long programming.

“As an arts organization dedicated to transforming the way people see the world through film, we support artists and their freedom of expression,” read the statement.

However, TIFF added that it would “suspend participation by film organizations and media outlets supported by the Russian state, as well as Russian cultural ambassadors and delegations.”

“As we do this, we will seek to amplify the voices of Ukrainian and independent Russian filmmakers who continue to illuminate our understanding of conflict in the region. Alongside our international colleagues in the film world, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and the many Ukrainian artists and film professionals who have travelled to TIFF over the years,” it continued.

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