'Russians at War' producers threaten legal action against TVO for pulling documentary
CTV
Lawyers representing the producers of 'Russians at War' say they may pursue legal action against Ontario's public broadcaster for pulling support for the controversial documentary amid outcry from the Ukrainian community and some Canadian politicians.
Lawyers representing the producers of "Russians at War" say they may pursue legal action against Ontario's public broadcaster for pulling support for the controversial documentary amid outcry from the Ukrainian community and some Canadian politicians.
A letter addressed to TVO's board and management demands that the network immediately reinstate its commitment to air "Russians at War," or allow the filmmakers to license the film to another broadcaster or streaming platform.
The letter says that if the matter can't be resolved, the film's producers will be left with "no choice but to pursue all legal remedies," including claims for breach of contract, defamation, and damages associated with any loss of funding for the project.
"We trust that the board will recognize the gravity of this situation and act swiftly to rectify it," lawyer Danny Webber of Hall Webber LLP wrote in the letter sent Thursday, adding that the law firm expects a response from TVO within 10 business days.
TVO board chair Chris Day told The Canadian Press that the broadcaster won't publicly comment on legal matters.
The film by Russian-Canadian director Anastasia Trofimova — which captures the experiences of Russian soldiers on the front lines of the war in Ukraine — has sparked considerable backlash from Ukrainian officials and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, who called it "Russian propaganda."
The documentary was produced in partnership with TVO and financed in part by the broadcaster's allocation of Canada Media Fund resources. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has denounced the use of public funds to help produce and screen "Russians at War," saying she shares the Ukrainian community's "grave concerns" about the film.
Three men who alleged that actor Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted them have settled their civil claims before going to trial at the High Court in London, courts document show.
Neither Sofia Coppola nor Marc Jacobs were convinced a documentary was a good idea. Jacobs wasn’t sure he wanted to be the subject of one and Coppola wasn’t sure she wanted the pressure of being the person behind the camera. This was her friend of over 30 years, after all. What if the film wasn’t good?
Sean Penn finally got his hands on his third Oscar… sort of.
Len Deighton, a prolific writer whose tough, stylish spy thrillers featured on bestseller lists for decades, has died. He was 97.
A great deal of Ryan Gosling’s journey through the film “Project Hail Mary” unfolded in solitude. The “La La Land” actor spent long stretches filming alone on set, or acting opposite an alien creature his character, Dr. Ryland Grace, dubs Rocky.
Cardi B is dragging the Hammer for slow ticket sales.
A planned reboot “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” that was set to be directed by Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao, has been cancelled, star and producer Sarah Michelle Gellar said.
Sean Penn, who scored an Oscar for best supporting actor for “One Battle After Another” on Sunday, is in Ukraine to show support to the war-torn country, a senior Ukrainian official told AFP.
The 98th Academy Awards on Sunday saw “One Battle After Another” win big with six awards, including best picture, director, supporting actor and casting.
When Melanie Galeaz posted a fan edit of “Heated Rivalry,” she didn’t know it would lead to her dream job.
The 98th Academy Awards will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, although things may be done a little differently on Hollywood’s biggest night.
The winners of the 46th Razzie Awards have been announced, and one film had a bit of a sweep when it comes to the best of the worst.
Richard Grenell, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump who oversaw far reaching changes at the Kennedy Center that prompted many artists to abandon the iconic performing arts venue, will step down as the institution’s president.