Freeland states 'grave concerns' over TIFF film about Russian soldiers

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is denouncing a documentary about Russian soldiers screening at the Toronto International Film festival (TIFF) this year.

Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Freeland — who is of Ukrainian heritage — noted that both diplomats and the Canadian-Ukrainian community have expressed «grave concerns» about the film .

«I share those concerns,» Freeland said.

«It's not right for Canadian public money to be supporting the screening and production of a film like this.»

The film's synopsis on TIFF's website says it depicts soldiers' disillusionment with the war as they learn the story they were sold in Russia is false. CBC Toronto has reached out to the festival for comment.

The Canada Media Fund confirmed in a statement to CBC News that it provided $340,000 in funding for the film through TVO, which was operating under the Broadcaster Envelope Program, wherein broadcasters independently choose projects to unlock funds.

«We rely on our trusted and CRTC-regulated broadcasters to ensure the project conforms to the programming standards endorsed by the CRTC,» the statement reads. «We have been in communication with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) organizers and the producers of this documentary. We take these concerns very seriously and are actively engaged.»

The documentary, from Russian-Canadian director Anastasia Trofimova, premiered at the Venice Film Festival last week and is set to make its North American debut at TIFF on Friday.

Trofimova said in a written statement that the film is not propaganda, and was filmed without the permission of the Russian government, putting her at risk of criminal prosecution in Russia.

«I want to be clear that this Canada-France co-production is an