Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle has stated that she wants to keep her position, despite intense debates about her future. The conflict arose from the handling of the Middle East conflict during the festival. A supervisory board meeting is now set to clarify the future direction.
Tricia Tuttle, the 55-year-old US-American, took over the direction of the Berlinale, one of the largest international film festivals, in April 2024. The 76th edition in February 2026 was successful despite political turbulence: Visitor numbers exceeded the 2025 record, the European Film Market flourished, and the program was praised by critics.
The dispute escalated after an incident at the closing gala. The Syrian-Palestinian director Abdallah Alkhatib accused the German government of being partners in the 'genocide in the Gaza Strip.' Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) left the hall and stated the remarks were unacceptable. Culture State Minister Wolfram Weimer (independent) and Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) also condemned the words. Israel's government and the federal government reject the genocide accusation.
The 'Bild' newspaper reported shortly after the festival's end that Tuttle was to be dismissed, citing the handling of the Middle East conflict as the background. Weimer called an extraordinary supervisory board meeting, sparking widespread protest in the cultural sector. In talks with Weimer on Tuesday evening, Tuttle discussed the possibility of a mutual resignation. 'Those were honest conversations,' she told dpa. Weimer had previously told the 'Rheinische Post' that Tuttle had questioned her own future and said she could hardly continue in the 'poisoned atmosphere.'
Nevertheless, Tuttle wants to stay: 'I am very proud of my team and the festival and want to continue the work we have started together with full confidence and institutional independence.' The strong support from the cultural scene, including Israeli colleagues, has restored her clarity. On Alkhatib, she said: 'What I heard from him was anger and an explicit political conviction.' Festivals must remain places of openness and dialogue to preserve freedom of expression.
The supervisory board meets on Wednesday to discuss the Berlinale's future. Tuttle emphasized that the debate underscores the principle that cultural institutions can operate within democratic frameworks. She regrets that political discussions overshadowed the films, such as the Golden Bear winner 'Gelbe Briefe' by İlker Çatak.
