Global Film Festival Directors Rally Behind Berlinale’s Tricia Tuttle
A coalition of 32 international film festival directors, including prominent figures like Cannes’ Thierry Frémaux and Sundance’s Eugene Hernandez, have publicly voiced their support for Berlinale Festival Director Tricia Tuttle amid reports of potential dismissal following political controversy at the 2026 festival.
Growing Support for Tuttle
The directors issued a joint statement expressing “full trust and institutional independence” for Tuttle, who has faced backlash over pro-Palestinian speeches delivered during the Berlinale’s awards ceremony. The statement underscores the importance of maintaining a space for open dialogue and artistic expression within film festivals.
Political Pressure and Debate
The controversy stems from the 76th Berlin Film Festival, where attendees, including jury president Wim Wenders, initially hesitated to discuss political issues. Though, the situation escalated when several award winners used their acceptance speeches to express solidarity with Palestine and Gaza. This led to reports in the German press suggesting Tuttle could be removed from her position.
A Call for Independence and Nuance
The festival directors’ letter acknowledges the “mounting pressures” on film festivals to navigate complex political landscapes while safeguarding artistic freedom. It emphasizes the need for festivals to embrace diverse perspectives, even those that are unpopular or conflicting, and to resist pressures that compromise their independence.
“We need all our stakeholders – audiences, creators, festival teams, public and private partners, industry, media, fellow institutions – to reveal each other grace, respect and solidarity as communities and networks connected through the love of film, or we risk losing these spaces completely,” the statement reads. “It is so much easier to destroy than it is to build.”
Tuttle’s Response
Tricia Tuttle has publicly stated her desire to continue leading the Berlinale, confirming to German press that she and German culture minister Wolfram Weimer discussed the possibility of her resignation but that she remains committed to her role. She expressed pride in her team and the festival’s work, emphasizing her determination to proceed with “full confidence and institutional independence.”
Signatories of the Statement
The statement was signed by leaders from the following festivals:
- London Film Festival (Kristy Matheson)
- Busan International Film Festival (Jung Hanseok, Karen Park)
- Asian Contents & Film Market (Ellen Y. D. Kim)
- Cannes Film Festival (Thierry Frémaux, Christian Jeune)
- El Gouna Film Festival (Amr Mansi)
- Festival do Rio (Ilda Santiago)
- Göteborg Film Festival (Pia Lundberg, Mirja Wester)
- International Film Festival Rotterdam (Vanja Kaludjercic, Clare Stewart)
- Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Karel Och, Kryštof Mucha)
- Locarno Film Festival (Giona A. Nazzaro)
- Melbourne International Film Festival (Damien Hodgkinson, Al Cossar)
- Morelia Film Festival (Daniela Michel)
- New Horizons International Film Festival (Roman Gutek, Dorota Lech)
- San Sebastian International Film Festival (José Luis Rebordinos, Maialen Beloki, Lucía Olaciregui)
- Sarajevo Film Festival (Jovan Marjanović)
- São Paulo International Film Festival (Renata de Almeida)
- Sundance Film Festival (Eugene Hernandez, Kim Yutani)
- Sydney Film Festival (Nashen Moodley, Frances Wallace)
- Telluride Film Festival (Julie Huntsinger)
- Toronto International Film Festival (Cameron Bailey, Anita Lee)
- Tokyo International Film Festival (Shozo Ichiyama)
The full letter can be read here.