New Delhi: highly anticipated documentary The Bibi Files, which casts a critical eye on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Monday night. Despite attempts by the Israeli government to block its release, the film was screened as scheduled, drawing attention worldwide. Directed by Alexis Bloom and produced by Oscar and Emmy-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, the film delves into previously unreleased interrogation tapes of Netanyahu.People are dying every day: Producer Gibney The Bibi Files offers a detailed examination of Netanyahus political career, with a sharp focus on his ongoing corruption trial and the impact of the recent war in Gaza. Using a blend of historical analysis and firsthand accounts, the documentary paints a picture of Netanyahu as a leader who has misused his power for personal benefit, causing harm to the nation. The film also provides candid insights into other influential figures in Israeli politics. Moreover, producer of the documentary The Bibi Files, Alex Gibney claims, That footage cant be shown in Israel. Its a particular law in Israel, but it doesnt affect the rest of the world,🇮🇱🇨🇦NETANYAHU EXPOSE DEBUTS IN CANADAA film containing never-before-seen footage of Netanyahu being interrogated by police over graft suspicions premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.The screening of “The Bibi Files” went ahead after an Israeli court turned down Netanyahus… pic.twitter.com/bnGoB73ybC— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 10, 2024How did the audience reactThe film received a standing ovation from many attendees, some of whom held signs advocating for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. However, reactions were not universally positive. One audience member pointed out that Netanyahu has not been convicted of any crimes. Outside the venue, demonstrators in Hebrew called for new parliamentary elections, a ceasefire, and a resolution to the ongoing hostage crisis.Netanyahu claims violation of privacy lawsNetanyahus legal team had sought to block the documentarys release, claiming it violated privacy laws and could endanger the source of the interrogation tapes. Despite these efforts, Judge Oded Shaham denied the motion, allowing the film to be shown at TIFF. The documentary has not yet secured any distribution agreements.What is showed in the documnetaryAlexis Bloom began working on The Bibi Files during the judicial reform protests in Israel that erupted in early 2023. In light of the Hamas invasion on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war in Gaza, the film has taken on new urgency. You can see this pattern going on worldwide, this democratic backsliding, Bloom remarked, underscoring the broader implications of Netanyahus leadership.
