Exclusive: ‘The Road Between Us’ Director Barry Avrich Reveals Insights on New Doc, Denies Political Angle

Barry Avrich’s documentary “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue” made its theatrical debut across 81 cinemas in North America last Friday after winning the People’s Choice Documentary Award at the Toronto Film Festival last month. This release makes the documentary eligible for the Oscars.

The documentary chronicles the story of Noam Tibon, a retired Israeli general and grandfather, as he embarks on a daring mission to save his family from Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack. The film initially made headlines in August when it was unexpectedly removed from the TIFF lineup, only to be reinstated two days later on August 14, allowing it to participate as an official selection at the festival’s 50th edition.

“Any publicity is good publicity, yet the emotional and stressful 72-hour effort to reinstate the film at the festival was challenging,” Avrich explained to The Bangin Beats on the eve of the film’s theatrical release. “If the attention helps the film reach a broader audience and attracts interest from streaming platforms, then it was definitely worth it.”

The TIFF team initially pulled “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue” from its official lineup on August 12, citing concerns over safety, legal issues, and programming. The filmmakers criticized the festival for its decision, labeling it as censorship and expressing their dismay at the festival’s deviation from its mission.

Cameron Bailey, TIFF director, alongside Avrich, later issued a joint statement, confirming that after collaboration to address the concerns, the documentary was re-added to the lineup. They expressed their satisfaction, believing the film would stimulate important discussions.

On September 10, the film was screened at a packed Roy Thomson Hall, where it was met with a standing ovation.

Avrich expressed his hope that TIFF would reconsider its approach to film programming in the future.

“I have no objections to films about Gaza or streamers showing documentaries from a Gaza perspective,” Avrich stated. “If people choose not to watch them, that’s their prerogative. The key message of my film is about the universal nature of family. While this story is set in Israel, it could easily be about a family in Gaza. I’m completely open to such narratives, and I believe the public and film festivals should be too.”

Despite its backdrop of conflict, Avrich insists that “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue” is not meant to be a political documentary.

“The film is shot in Israel and involves a rescue, but it does not push a political agenda,” he clarified. “Most viewers who’ve seen the film don’t perceive it as political, contrary to what some might say.”

The distribution rights for the film in the U.S. have been acquired by Forston Consulting, while Cineplex Pictures will handle its release in Canada.

Avrich also mentioned he expects some might protest the film at theaters, though he hopes any protests remain peaceful, emphasizing his concern over protesting artistic expressions, whether through film or books.

Lastly, Avrich remains optimistic about the documentary finding a platform among major streamers, citing interest from services like Paramount+ and HBO that focus on provocative topics that spark discussion.