Polley to crash VIP parties for a cause
Noted director wants to help free Canadians detained in Cairo
Sarah Polley wants to crash celebrity parties and VIP suites at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Not because she’s looking to take selfies with the rich and famous, but because the Canadian actor and director is concerned for the health and safety of her friend and colleague, Toronto filmmaker John Greyson and his friend, Tarek Loubani. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve wanted to actually get in to these things,” said Polley, carrying a bag of buttons reading #freetarekandjohn.
Polley also asked journalists to take a few pins emblazoned with a maple leaf and the message in the hopes of getting a superstar to wear one on the red carpet.
“Help me get these on famous people,” she said.
Polley has been concerned about Greyson and Loubani since they were arrested by Egyptian police in Cairo on Aug. 16. The two were on their way to Gaza, where Loubani, an emergency doctor, was going to offer training in trauma medicine. They have yet to be charged.
Canadian diplomatic efforts have so far been unsuccessful in securing their release, or obtaining details or rationale for their arrest.
The department of foreign affairs issued a statement saying “the government of Canada is deeply disappointed by this decision as there continues to be a lack of evidence,” and “Canada will continue to engage with the highest levels until this matter is resolved.”
So far, a petition for their release has garnered 100,000 signatures, as well as the support of director Gus Van Sant, who also called for their release.
But the two remain in detention at Tora prison, outside of Cairo. Greyson is a Genie-winning film director whose credits include Lilies, Zero Patience and The Law of Enclosures.