Is Germany’s Stance on Gaza Causing Artists to Shy Away from One of Europe’s Premier Film Festivals?
As the Berlin Film Festival prepares for its upcoming edition, questions arise about whether Germany’s current political climate regarding the Gaza conflict is influencing artists’ decisions to participate. Tricia Tuttle, the festival’s new director and former head of the BFI London Film Festival, has taken the reins after the appointment by Germany’s Culture Minister, Claudia Roth. Tuttle’s first Berlinale, set for February, comes amid growing concerns about freedom of expression in relation to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Tuttle expressed to The Guardian that the prevailing sentiment in Germany, which many perceive as an attempt to restrict free speech on the Israel-Palestine issue, might deter artists from attending. She noted that many individuals are apprehensive about potential repercussions for voicing criticism of Israel, fearing such expressions could be labeled antisemitic in Germany.
In a recent parliamentary resolution aimed at safeguarding Jewish life, critics argue that it blurs the line between legitimate criticism of Israel and antisemitism. “Artists are anxious about the implications of speaking out,” Tuttle explained. “There’s a palpable uncertainty surrounding whether they can express empathy for the victims in Gaza without facing backlash.” She recounted conversations with filmmakers hesitant about their freedom to express their views on the conflict, underscoring her team’s commitment to reassuring them that the Berlinale remains a pluralistic space, welcoming a multitude of perspectives.
Adding to the trepidation is the controversy that erupted during this year’s awards ceremony. Golden Bear recipient Mati Diop, who won for her documentary Dahomey, made headlines by declaring her support for Palestine during her acceptance speech. Prior to her remarks, American filmmaker Ben Russell, who was recognized for his film Direct Action in the Encounters section, donned a keffiyeh—an emblem of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
American director Eliza Hittman also took the stage to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, asserting, “As a Jewish filmmaker who won the Silver Bear in 2020, my presence here is vital. There is no just war, and those who try to convince themselves otherwise are engaging in a grotesque act of self-deception.” Meanwhile, Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham, a Palestinian-Israeli filmmaking duo behind the Berlinale documentary award winner No Other Land, used their platform to highlight the ongoing suffering in Gaza. Adra poignantly noted the difficulty of celebrating when his compatriots were being “slaughtered and massacred,” calling on Germany to heed UN calls and cease arms sales to Israel.
Abraham’s speech further underscored the disparities they faced: “We stand before you as equals, yet I live under civilian law while Basel is subjected to military law. This stark inequality must end.” These statements drew ire from Berlin’s Mayor, Kai Wegner, of the Christian Democratic Union party, who took to X to assert, “Anti-Semitism has no place in Berlin, including in the art scene. I expect the new Berlinale management to prevent such incidents in the future.” The labeling of the awards ceremony as “antisemitic” subsequently led to death threats against Abraham.
In a response to the backlash, Tuttle defended the filmmakers of No Other Land on the Berlinale’s Instagram, stating that accusations of antisemitism against them pose real dangers and that solidarity is crucial. Following the film’s release last month, the Berlin city website Berlin.de had controversially described No Other Land as “exhibiting anti-Semitic tendencies.” Abraham highlighted this on X, expressing his feelings of unsafety and unwelcomeness in Berlin as a left-leaning Israeli and announced intentions to pursue legal action. In light of the uproar, Berlin.de later amended their description, admitting the earlier characterization was incorrect and inappropriate, offering an apology for the error.
Tuttle acknowledged the challenges posed by these discussions, remarking, “It’s been a particularly difficult year for discourse surrounding the festival, and this issue has consumed much of our time.” The 75th edition of the Berlinale will take place from February 13-23, 2025, with US director Todd Haynes serving as the Competition Jury President.
