More than 80 actors, directors and artists associated with the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), including Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Adam McKay, Alia Shawkat, Brian Cox and Mike Leigh, have signed an open letter urging festival organisers to take a clear public stance on Israel’s war in Gaza.
The letter, published in full by Variety, accuses the
Berlinale of “institutional silence” and calls on the festival to fulfil what it describes as its moral duty to oppose Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
What the open letter says
“We call on the Berlinale to fulfil its moral duty and clearly state its opposition to Israel’s genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Palestinians,” the letter states.
It adds that festival organisers have failed to meet repeated demands to issue a statement affirming Palestinians’ right to life and committing to uphold artists’ freedom of expression on the issue.
“This is the least it can – and should – do,” the letter says.
The signatories cited findings by human rights experts, scholars, and a United Nations inquiry, which say Israel’s assault on Gaza amounts to genocide. Israel, however, maintains that its military actions are acts of self-defence, following Hamas’ October 2023 attack.
The Berlinale has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Why the Berlinale is under scrutiny
The Berlin Film Festival has long been regarded as the most political of Europe’s major festivals, alongside Cannes and Venice. It has traditionally championed politically engaged cinema, under-represented voices, and emerging filmmakers.
However, pro-Palestinian activists and artists have criticised the festival for failing to take a public stance on Gaza, especially when compared with its vocal condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its outspoken support for Iranian dissidents.
Last year, over 5,000 entertainment professionals signed a pledge refusing to collaborate with Israeli film institutions they believed were complicit in alleged abuses against Palestinians. Major studio Paramount later condemned the move, rejecting industry-wide boycotts.
The controversy intensified following remarks by this year’s Berlinale jury president, Wim Wenders, who suggested that filmmakers should avoid political statements.
“You cannot separate one from the other,” the open letter responded, rejecting the idea that art and politics exist independently.
Wenders’ remarks led Indian novelist and Booker Prize winner Arundhati Roy to withdraw from the festival. Roy had been scheduled to present the 1989 film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, which she wrote, in the Berlinale Classics section.
Calling Wenders’ position “unconscionable,” Roy said she could not participate under such circumstances.
Arundhati Roy quit the festival
Award-winning Indian writer
Arundhati Roy withdrew from the Berlin Film Festival over jury president Wim Wenders’s comments. Roy said in a statement sent to AFP that she was “shocked and disgusted” by responses from Wenders and other jury members to a question about the Palestinian territory at a press conference on Thursday.
Roy, whose novel “The God of Small Things” won the 1997 Booker Prize, had been announced as a festival guest to present a restored version of the 1989 film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, in which she starred and wrote the screenplay. However, she said that the “unconscionable” statements by Wenders and other jury members had led her to reconsider, “with deep regret”.
Festival director defends free speech position
In response to the growing criticism, Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle issued a statement defending artists’ freedom not to engage in political commentary.
“People have called for free speech at the Berlinale. Free speech is happening at the Berlinale,” she said.
However, she noted that filmmakers are increasingly expected to respond to political questions, and face backlash whether they choose to speak or stay silent.
“But increasingly, filmmakers are expected to answer any question put to them, and are criticised if they do not answer, or answer and we do not like what they say,” Tuttle added.
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