Dozens of film industry figures have sharply criticised the Berlin International Film Festival for what they describe as its silence and “anti-Palestinian racism” over the ongoing war in Gaza, according to an open letter published on Tuesday.
The letter, signed by 81 actors, directors and filmmakers, including Javier Bardem and Tilda Swinton, was published in Variety and condemned the festival’s refusal to take a clear stance against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The signatories, all alumni of the festival, also known as the Berlinale, accused the event of failing to show moral leadership on an issue they view as a humanitarian crisis and genocide.
The controversy was sparked in part by remarks from this year’s jury president, German filmmaker Wim Wenders, who said when asked about the war that filmmakers should “stay out of politics”. The open letter rejected that view, stating that cinema and politics cannot be separated and urging the festival to openly oppose what they called “institutional repression and anti-Palestinian racism”.
The signatories also included directors Adam McKay, Mike Leigh, Lukas Dhont, Nan Goldin, Avi Mograbi, and actors such as Cherien Dabis and Brian Cox. Critics argue that the Berlinale’s stance contrasts with its previous willingness to comment on other global conflicts, such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and the situation in Iran.
The letter follows other festival disputes this month, including Indian author Arundhati Roy’s withdrawal from the event in protest over comments dismissing political engagement at the festival. Organisers have responded by defending artists’ freedom of expression, saying filmmakers should not be expected to speak on every political issue unless they choose to do so.
The row highlights a growing debate in the arts community about whether cultural events should take public positions on geopolitical conflicts, especially when human rights and civilian suffering are at stake.