A n opening screening at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) was interrupted by a group of protestors calling on TIFF to cut ties with major sponsor RBC.

The group of filmmakers and film students held signs and chanted slogans such as “RBC is killing our future” in the Princess of Wales Theatre ahead of a 6 p.m. screening of opening film Nutcrackers. They had walked to the front of the audience during a speech from TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey and chief programming officer Anita Lee.

According to a press release issued by the group after the protest, the group represented a coalition between the movements RBC Off Screen and Film Students For Palestine. The release alleges that RBC’s “ongoing investments devastate the environment, trample Indigenous rights and contribute to globally recognized war crimes.”

A spokesperson for RBC told Playback Daily, “we respect the right of individuals to make their voices heard, but it’s unfortunate to see activist groups attempting to co-opt this important cultural event. Protestors targeting corporate sponsors are shifting attention from the work of artists and weakening support for essential arts and cultural programs.”

The spokesperson added, “the humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza continues to have a devastating impact and we feel deeply for everyone who is affected. We continue to hear from employees, clients and community members, and we know this is difficult for anyone with ties to the region.”

“TIFF’s relationship with RBC is art-washing crimes that threaten both human life and the planet,” said Elza Kephart, a filmmaker and spokesperson for RBC Off Screen, in a statement. “As film workers, we refuse to allow our industry to be co-opted by those profiting from the destruction of our climate and communities.”

TIFF did not respond to a request for comment at press time.

The groups demanded that TIFF end RBC’s sponsorship and that other arts and cultural institutions sever their affiliations with “corporations that harm marginalized communities and fuel global conflict,” said the release.

Kephart was one of the organizers of a petition circulated during last year’s TIFF, which called on the festival to cut ties with RBC over its financial ties to the oil and gas industry. Hundreds of people signed the petition, including actors Mark Ruffalo and Joaquin Phoenix.

Kephart previously told Playback that the goal was to separate the film and TV industry from RBC, and not “attack” TIFF.

“As film students and workers who treasure the cinema, we envision a future where our beloved cultural institutions make good on their self-professed commitments to human rights by putting their moral obligations above profits and sponsorship deals,” said Film Students for Palestine organizer Shay Essop-Lafontaine.

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