The 2026 Berlin International Film Festival has issued a statement defending its jury and filmmakers following criticism over comments on politics. Jury president Wim Wenders suggested artists should stay out of politics, prompting backlash including a cancelled visit by author Arundhati Roy. Festival director Tricia Tuttle emphasized free speech for artists while highlighting the festival's diverse films addressing global issues.
The Berlin International Film Festival, known as the Berlinale, began on February 14, 2026, and quickly faced a media storm over political discussions. During the opening press conference, jury president Wim Wenders responded to questions about the Israel-Gaza conflict by stating that filmmakers "have to stay out of politics…We are the counterweight of politics, the opposite of politics, we have to do the work of people — not the work of politicians." He added that "movies can change the world" but "not in a political way." These remarks surprised attendees and led to criticism, with author Arundhati Roy cancelling her visit and issuing a rebuke.
In response, the festival released a communiqué defending its filmmakers, jury, and Wenders. A spokesperson noted that some circulating comments were taken "out of context of the full conversations but also from the lifetime of work and values these artists represent." Festival director Tricia Tuttle penned a reflection titled 'On Speaking, Cinema and Politics,' arguing that "artists are free to exercise their right of free speech in whatever way they choose." She stressed that artists should not be expected to comment on every political issue or festival practices beyond their control. Tuttle highlighted the festival's 278 films, which cover themes like genocide, sexual violence in war, corruption, and colonialism, and include filmmakers facing risks such as prison or exile for their work.
Tuttle acknowledged global suffering in places including Gaza, the West Bank, Ukraine, and Sudan, asserting that no filmmaker at the event is indifferent to these issues. She described the Berlinale as a space for diverse perspectives, where art can engage politics subtly or directly, fostering empathy and human dignity.
Meanwhile, at a press conference for the competition film 'Nightborn,' director Hanna Bergholm and co-writer Ilja Rautsi addressed the debate. Rautsi said, "Art doesn’t necessarily have to be political," but emphasized using the spotlight to highlight issues like the "genocide in Palestine" and Ukraine. Bergholm added that as "grown-up human beings we have a responsibility to speak up against violence and against injustice." Actor Rupert Grint affirmed his opposition to the "rise of fascism in the U.K." and promised to speak out. The festival runs until February 22.
