The Berlin Film Festival has defended its jury and filmmakers after what organisers described as a “media storm” overshadowed the opening days of this year’s event.
The controversy followed remarks by jury president Wim Wenders during the opening press conference, where he suggested filmmakers should not be expected to do the work of politicians when asked about the Israel-Gaza conflict. His comments prompted criticism in some quarters and led author Arundhati Roy to cancel a planned visit to the festival.
In response, festival director Tricia Tuttle issued a detailed reflection titled ‘On Speaking, Cinema and Politics’, emphasising that artists must retain the freedom to choose when and how they engage with political questions.
“Artists are free to exercise their right of free speech in whatever way they choose,” Tuttle wrote. “Artists should not be expected to comment on all broader debates about a festival’s previous or current practices over which they have no control. Nor should they be expected to speak on every political issue raised to them unless they want to.”
Tuttle’s statement also addressed what she described as growing pressure on filmmakers to deliver instant responses to complex global issues during press conferences. She noted that artists are often criticised whether they answer political questions or decline to do so.
The Berlinale programme this year includes 278 films, many of which tackle themes such as genocide, sexual violence in conflict, corruption, colonialism and abuses of state power.
Tuttle argued that cinema itself provides a powerful forum for political expression, whether through overt engagement with government and policy or through quieter examinations of everyday power structures and human relationships.
She stressed that the festival remains committed to providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, including filmmakers who have faced imprisonment, exile or personal risk for their work.
While acknowledging that geopolitics has shaped discussion around this year’s event, Tuttle said the Berlinale’s core mission remains rooted in cinema. “We continue to do this work because we love cinema,” she wrote, expressing the belief that films can influence hearts and minds over time.
The statement concluded with thanks to festival staff, juries and guests for maintaining composure during what organisers described as a heated public debate.
