DayofPal—More than 80 filmmakers have publicly criticized the Berlin International Film Festival, accusing organislzers of suppressing pro-Palestinian voices and discouraging political expression about Gaza.
In an open letter, prominent figures including Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Mike Leigh, Adam McKay and Avi Mograbi accused the German festival of “censorship” and attempting to “silence” artists who speak out about Palestinian rights.
The letter added that during last year’s event, filmmakers who voiced support for Palestinians from the Berlinale stage were “aggressively reprimanded” by senior programmers.
It also reported one filmmaker faced a police investigation and that festival leadership characterized a speech grounded in international law and solidarity as “discriminatory.”
The controversy intensified after comments by German director Wim Wenders, who is serving as jury president this year. Speaking at a press conference, Wenders argued that cinema should remain separate from direct political engagement, saying filmmakers must act as a “counterweight” to politics rather than participate in it.
His remarks drew backlash from critics who noted that Wenders had previously described the Berlinale as historically political and unafraid to take positions.
Indian author Arundhati Roy announced she would withdraw from the festival in protest over the comments and the broader stance.
Meanwhile, at a separate Cinema for Peace gala in Berlin attended by Hillary Clinton and hosted by Bob Geldof, Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania rejected an award in protest.
Her film focuses on efforts to save a young Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, killed in Gaza, and she criticized the decision to honour former Israeli general Noam Tibon, arguing that cultural events should not provide “image-laundering” for violence.
The festival is screening more than 200 films over 10 days, with 22 competing for the Golden Bear, its top prize.
However, the dispute over Gaza has overshadowed the programme, adding to tensions that have surrounded the Berlinale since 2024, when political speeches and programming decisions sparked accusations of bias from various sides.
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