dpa/ | The Berlinale has responded to an open letter from filmmakers and rejected the accusation that it censors critical voices regarding the war in Gaza. It is not true that they had “silenced” or “intimidated” filmmakers, festival director Tricia Tuttle told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur.
The trade publication Variety had previously published a piece in which around 80 filmmakers of the Berlinale accuse it of lacking a position in the Gaza war. The letter was signed by, among others, actress Tilda Swinton (“The Room Next Door”) and actor Javier Bardem (“F1”).
The letter surprised her and it was “incredibly hard” to read, said Tuttle. Some of the signatories she knows, and she wished they had contacted her first to discuss some of the claims.
That included actress Swinton, who had received the Berlinale’s Golden Bear Honor in 2025. “Like the other people, I was disappointed that we could not speak with one another before the letter was signed. I will certainly have a conversation about it.”
Tuttle’s Position
In the letter, artists explain that they are appalled by the “institutional silence of the Berlinale on the genocide of Palestinians.” Israel denies committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. That is also the position of the federal government.
When asked about her position, Tuttle said she was deeply affected by the loss of civilian lives. “I strongly urge Israel to adhere to international law. I also believe that governments and Israel’s partners must ensure that they comply with international law to protect civilian lives.” But this is a complex matter. “It is not a matter that can be conveyed in a short statement.”
“We know that portraying people as ‘pro-Palestinian’ or ‘pro-Israel’ narrows the spectrum of perspectives and does not do justice to the discussions we must have about one of the most difficult and polarizing topics of our time,” said Tuttle. “I consider it very dangerous when the festival takes a stand, because it takes up space and signals to people that they are not invited to this discussion and that they are not allowed to express their views.”
Wim Wenders’ Position
The signatories of the letter had also criticized jury president Wim Wenders, who had been asked at a press conference for a position on the Middle East conflict. The director (“Perfect Days”, “Paris, Texas”) said the jury cannot venture into the field of politics. Filmmakers must stay out of politics; they are a counterweight to politics. The Indian writer Arundhati Roy criticized this and said she would not participate.
Tuttle backed Wenders and said it was only a snippet taken from his remarks, which saddened her. “Because this man has shown for 50 years with incredible films an immense empathy for people. He has allowed us to see people who might otherwise have remained invisible. There is always a political element in his works,” she said.
