When Silence Speaks Louder Than Words

At a recent press event, the head of the Berlin Film Festival, Tricia Tuttle, stood up for artists who choose to stay quiet about politics. This came after actors like Neil Patrick Harris and Michelle Yeoh dodged political questions during their time at the festival. Even the festival jury head, Wim Wenders, faced questions about the Gaza conflict, which he handled carefully. Tuttle argued that artists shouldn't be forced to give quick, simple answers on every political issue. She pointed out that they often face criticism no matter what they do—whether they speak up or stay silent. The pressure to sum up complex thoughts in a short sound bite is unfair, especially when they might be there to talk about something else entirely.She also highlighted that artists contribute to political discussions through their work, whether it's about big "P" Politics or smaller everyday issues. Tuttle noted that in today's media, serious talks about film and culture often get pushed aside if they don't fit into the latest news cycle. Tuttle made it clear that most filmmakers at the festival care deeply about human rights and global issues. She emphasized that artists should have the freedom to choose when and how they speak up. They shouldn't be expected to comment on every political topic or the festival's practices unless they want to.