Artists and activists protest Tel Aviv program at Toronto Film Fest

A protest by filmmakers and artists opposed to a Toronto International Film Festival program that spotlights Tel Aviv is growing, with plans to hold a press conference Thursday to coincide with the festival's opening. More than 60 people–including prominent members of the Jewish community such as author/activist Naomi Klein, Judy Rebick and Israel filmmaker Udi Aloni–have signed a letter protesting the Israeli financial capital's inclusion in the festival's inaugural City to City program. As reported in the Star last week, Toronto filmmaker John Greyson initiated the protest by withdrawing his documentary Covered from the festival.