Overview
- Roy said she would not attend her Berlinale Classics screening, calling the jury’s remarks on Gaza “jaw-dropping” and “unconscionable.”
- At the opening press conference, jury president Wim Wenders argued filmmakers “have to stay out of politics,” describing cinema as a counterweight to politics.
- A journalist pressed the jury on perceived selective solidarity, noting Berlinale’s support for Iran and Ukraine but not Palestinians, and citing Germany’s backing of Israel.
- Jury member Ewa Puszczyńska called it “a little bit unfair” to expect the panel to take a stance and said many other wars go unaddressed.
- Festival organizers said they respect withdrawals and expressed regret at losing guests, as the dispute revives debate over Berlinale’s political identity and recent Gaza-related controversies.