During the opening press conference of the Berlin International Film Festival, the jury, presided over by acclaimed German director Wim Wenders, sidestepped a pointed question regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“We must remain detached from politics; we serve as a counterweight and an antithesis to it. <…> Cinema possesses the capacity to transform the world, but not through political channels. No film can sway the convictions of a politician, yet it can reshape how individuals perceive their own lives. Cinema is driven by an immense power of compassion and empathy,” Wenders remarked.
This neutral stance triggered a wave of condemnation, prompting author Arundhati Roy to withdraw from the festival entirely. In response to the controversy, the festival’s leadership stood in defense of Wenders and his colleagues.
“The Berlinale is a bastion of free expression. However, filmmakers are increasingly expected to provide definitive answers to every query—and are lambasted if they do not. Furthermore, they face backlash if their responses fail to align with the audience’s expectations. <…> Artists express their views throughout the ten days of the festival, speaking predominantly through their creative work,” stated Tricia Tuttle, the festival director.
She further emphasized that artists should be allowed to exercise their freedom of speech at their own discretion, and it is unreasonable to demand that they comment on every geopolitical issue.
Photo: Berlinale
