Berlin Film Festival Faces Criticism Over Gaza Stance, Director Defends ‘Apolitical’ Approach

The 2026 Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) is embroiled in controversy following jury president Wim Wenders’ comments regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict. The festival has faced backlash from filmmakers and artists who accuse it of remaining silent on the ongoing crisis, leading to protests and withdrawals from prominent figures.

Jury President Defends Position

Wim Wenders sparked the controversy during the Berlinale’s first press conference on February 12, 2026, when asked about the festival’s response to the war in Gaza. He stated, “We have to stay out of politics because if we made movies that are dedicatedly political, we enter the field of politics, but we are the counterweight to politics.” He further explained that filmmakers should focus on “the work of people, not the work of politicians.” JTA

Author Arundhati Roy Withdraws from Festival

In response to Wenders’ remarks, Indian author Arundhati Roy announced her withdrawal from the festival. Roy was scheduled to present a restored version of her 1989 film, In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones. The Independent

Open Letter Signed by Film Industry Figures

More than 80 film industry professionals, including Javier Bardem, Tilda Swinton, and Mike Leigh, have signed an open letter condemning the Berlinale’s “institutional silence” on Gaza. The letter, coordinated by the Film Workers for Palestine collective, accuses the festival of “involvement in censoring artists who oppose Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza” and criticizes “the German state’s key role in enabling” Israel’s actions. Le Monde, France24

Signatories argue that filmmaking and politics are inseparable and point to the festival’s past statements regarding atrocities in Iran and Ukraine as examples of its willingness to take a stand on other geopolitical issues. Le Monde

Festival Responds to Criticism

The Berlinale has responded with a public statement emphasizing that filmmakers are not obligated to respond to all political issues. However, this response has done little to quell the growing discontent among artists and activists. JTA

Ewa Puszczynska, another member of the festival’s jury, stated that it was “not fair” to ask the judges about government positions on the war in Gaza. JTA