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Dozens of prominent filmmakers and film stars have condemned the Berlin International Film Festival for its “institutional silence” on genocide in the besieged Gaza Strip and complicity in protecting Israel from accountability.
Over 80 current and former participants of the Berlinale signed an open letter on Tuesday denouncing the festival’s response to Israel’s genocidal war on the Palestinian territory and the “censoring” of artists who speak out.
Among the signatories are Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Angeliki Papoulia, Saleh Bakri, Tatiana Maslany, Peter Mullan and Tobias Menzies, as well as directors Mike Leigh, Lukas Dhont, Nan Goldin, Miguel Gomes, Adam McKay and Avi Mograbi.
The signatories stressed that they “expect the institutions in our industry to refuse complicity in the terrible violence that continues to be waged against Palestinians.”
The letter was released during the 2026 edition of the Berlin International Film Festival, where political tensions have dominated discussion.
Controversy intensified after jury head Wim Wenders said at the opening press conference that “we should stay out of politics” and described filmmaking as “the opposite of politics,” when he was asked about Gaza and the German government’s strong support for Israel — despite Germany being a major funder of the festival.
Backlash followed, prompting festival head Tricia Tuttle to say, “Artists should not be expected to comment on all broader debates about a festival’s previous or current practices over which they have no control.”
In their letter, the signatories say they “fervently disagree” with Wenders’ position, insisting, “You cannot separate one from the other.”
They noted that “the tide is changing across the international film world,” pointing to the refusal of more than 5,000 film workers – including prominent Hollywood figures – to collaborate with “complicit Israeli film companies and institutions.”
The letter concluded by calling on “the Berlinale to fulfill its moral duty and clearly state its opposition to Israel’s genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Palestinians, and completely end its involvement in shielding Israel from criticism and calls for accountability.”
A ceasefire agreement ht took effect on October 10, 2025 was meant to bring to a close a bloody Israeli military onslaught that started in October 2023 and lasted for two years. Israel, however, continues to violate the agreement through its strikes and attacks.
According to Palestinian officials, the genocidal campaign resulted in the deaths of over 72,000 Palestinians and left more than 171,000 injured, and inflicted extensive damage that impacted 90 percent of civilian infrastructure. The United Nations has projected that the expenses for rebuilding will be around $70 billion.
