Artists call on Berlinale to condemn Israel's war in Gaza

More than 80 actors, directors, and other artists who have participated in the Berlinale in the past have called on the festival organizers to take a clear stance on Israel's war in Gaza.

The open letter, signed by names such as Tilda Swinton and Javier Bardem, calls on the festival to condemn the alleged genocidal actions against Palestinians. The signatories claim that the Berlinale remains silent despite its reputation as the most political film festival in Europe.

The criticism also touched on jury president Wim Wenders, who said that filmmakers should stay out of politics. According to the authors of the letter, however, art and politics cannot be separated. His words led Indian writer Arundhati Roy to decide to withdraw from the festival program.

The Berlinale management responded by defending freedom of expression—including the right not to express oneself. The dispute thus reopened a broader discussion about the role of cultural institutions in times of war.

(reuters, mja)