kay, who was outside keeping an eye on the protest, said most were peaceful, but seven or eight were being loud, obnoxious and aggressive and trying to intimidate people entering the theatre.
henry was in the sold-out crowd watching the film. “when they brought her up on stage, the standing ovation was amazing — loud and long,” said kay.
while the film screening took place, a line of police officers guarded the vic theatre entrance. at the end of the film, volunteers and the audience were escorted from the theatre by police.
at one point, about 15 officers were deployed on the scene. some protesters heckled the attendees as they left the building.
“for me, it’s funny… these people are all about freedom until you don’t agree with their ideas,” said kay, who doesn’t expect any other protest to take place during the film festival.
“this is the first time in 30 years that this has happened. i’m hoping this will never happen again.”
since the pandemic, there seems to be a high level of emotion, aggression and divisiveness on key issues in the community, said manak. people are extremely passionate about their causes and are unwilling to accept others’ opinions or allow people to peacefully protest for their cause.