Film Festival Faces Heat Over Political Talk

The Berlinale has launched a defence for its jury after early criticism sparked by comments made at the opening press conference. The festival’s spokesperson highlighted that some remarks were taken out of context and urged a fair view of the artists involved. The core issue centres on the role of filmmakers in political discourse. One comment suggested that artists should stay away from politics, which surprised many and led to a prominent author withdrawing from the event. Festival director Tricia Tuttle responded with a long reflection, arguing that artists are free to speak as they wish. She said filmmakers should not be forced to answer every political question or to explain their art in a single line.Many participants have chosen silence when asked about politics, a choice that has drawn criticism from journalists and social media users. The festival notes this trend but stresses the importance of respecting each artist’s autonomy. The Berlinale hosts 278 films covering a wide range of subjects, from genocide to personal stories of resilience. The event showcases voices that have faced danger and exile for their work, underscoring the festival’s commitment to diverse perspectives. Overall, the festival urges that while politics inevitably intersect with art, filmmakers should decide how and when to engage. The message is clear: artistic freedom must be protected from external pressure.