“The Road Between Us” Wins TIFF‘s People’s Choice Award for Documentary Amidst Controversy
TORONTO, ON – september 14, 2025 – A documentary chronicling a harrowing personal rescue mission during the October 7th Hamas attacks has been awarded the People’s Choice Award for Best Documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). “The road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,” directed by Barry Avrich, recounts the efforts of retired Israeli General Noam Tibon too save his family in the wake of the devastating attacks that claimed 1,200 lives and resulted in the abduction of 251 individuals.
The award comes after a period of notable turbulence for the film and the festival. TIFF initially pulled “The Road Between Us” from its lineup last month, citing security concerns and rights issues - a decision that sparked widespread criticism from political figures, Jewish organizations, and industry professionals. The film was subsequently reinstated, with TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey pledging greater openness regarding future programming choices.
The proclamation of the documentary’s win was made via email Sunday morning, preceding a planned ceremony at the festival’s headquarters, the Lightbox. Avrich accepted the award to a muted, but appreciative, response.”Cameron, thank you, I appreciate everything that TIFF has done for us,” he stated.
The film’s single screening earlier this week was met with competing demonstrations, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the subject matter. Pro-Palestinian protestors labeled the documentary “israeli propaganda” despite not having viewed it, while pro-Israel supporters rallied in its defense. (See image below.)
[Image of Protesters and counter-protesters gather outside of Roy Thomson Hall during the screening of the documentary “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue” at the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto on wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan]
“Hamnet” Takes Top Prize
Beyond the documentary category, Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet,” a Shakespearean origin story starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, secured the coveted overall People’s Choice Award – a prize often seen as a strong indicator of Oscar potential.
Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” was named first runner-up,followed by Rian Johnson’s “Wake up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” in second.
Other notable winners included Matt Johnson’s “Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie” in the Midnight Madness program, Zacharias Kunuk’s “Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband)” as Best Canadian Feature, and Sophy Romvari’s “Blue Heron,” which received the Best Canadian Revelation award recognizing emerging filmmaking talent.
TIFF representatives stated that CEO Cameron Bailey would not be available for comment on Sunday.
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