Berlinale’s Politics: A New Look at the Festival’s Fight for Free Speech

The Berlin film festival, founded in 1950 as a voice for the free world, has long been a stage for political protest. In recent years it backed Iranian demonstrators, condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and amplified Ukrainian filmmakers in exile. This year the focus has shifted from film to politics itself. During press events, artists were asked about Gaza, German state money and even Donald Trump’s return to the White House. The result: a scene that feels more like an online showdown than a film discussion. The first spark came when jury head Wim Wenders was asked by activist blogger Tilo Jung whether Germany’s support for Israel and the festival’s funding compromised artistic freedom. Wenders replied, “We have to stay out of politics… we are the counterweight to politics. ” The comment quickly erupted. Indian writer Arundhati Roy withdrew from a scheduled appearance, calling the answer “unconscionable” and accusing the festival of silencing debate about a crime against humanity. Organizers accepted her decision but said they would have welcomed her. Wenders was not alone in sidestepping questions. Actress Michelle Yeoh said she could not speak on U. S. politics, and actor Neil Patrick Harris dismissed questions about American democracy as irrelevant to his film. Others, however, used the platform for protest. Finnish director Hanna Bergholm wore a watermelon pin to show support for Palestine and urged people not to stay silent about violence.For long‑time Berlin observers, politics isn’t new; what’s changed is the framing. Normally a film’s subject guides the questions about its makers’ views. This year, the focus on funding and freedom of speech feels more like a “gotcha” moment. Social media amplified the exchange, turning Wenders’ statement into viral fodder and stirring online backlash. Despite the press circus, the festival itself remains politically charged. Opening night featured Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat’s “No Good Men, ” a film about a female camerawoman in Kabul. Iranian stories dominate the lineup, from Mahnaz Mohammadi’s “Roya” about a teacher in Evin Prison to Mehraneh Salimian’s documentary on student protests. Iranian filmmakers Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha, who won awards last year, remain jailed in Tehran. The red carpet was strewn with “Free Iran” signs, and a performance by the Iranian Independent Filmmakers Association honored those killed in January protests. Even pop star Charlie xcx praised the festival for refusing to shy away from political subjects. Yet, as journalist Deborah Cole notes, the climate of instant online criticism may silence future voices, turning a platform for debate into a place of fear.