More than 80 current and former participants of the Berlin International Film Festival have signed an open letter to the festival's leadership, accusing the organization of "deliberate silence" regarding the conflict in the Gaza Strip and "censorship" of outspoken artists.
Among the signatories are actors Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Tatiana Maslany, Peter Mullan, and Tobias Menzies, as well as directors Mike Leigh, Adam McKay, and others. In the letter, they expressed their expectation that film industry institutions would refuse to "collaborate in the horrific violence continuing against Palestinians."
The authors of the letter point to the double standards of the Berlinale. Previously, the festival made "clear statements" regarding military actions in Iran and Ukraine, but now, in the opinion of the filmmakers, the organizers are avoiding condemning Israel's actions.
The situation escalated after a press conference with the jury, where chair Wim Wenders, responding to a question about Gaza and the support of Israel by the German government (which funds the festival), stated: "We must remain out of politics." This drew sharp criticism from industry participants.
In the letter, the participants urge the Berlinale to "fulfill its moral duty and clearly state its opposition to genocide, crimes against humanity, and Israel's war crimes against Palestinians, as well as to completely cease participation in shielding Israel from criticism."
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