Overview
- Festival director Tricia Tuttle published a detailed reflection and a spokesperson issued a statement asserting that artists may choose when to speak and should not be pressed for sound bites.
- The response follows jury president Wim Wenders’ opening‑day comment that filmmakers “have to stay out of politics,” which he framed as cinema being a counterweight to political work.
- Author Arundhati Roy canceled her visit and issued a public rebuke, intensifying scrutiny of the festival’s stance on political engagement.
- Organizers said some circulating clips were taken out of context and highlighted a program of 278 films addressing subjects such as war, genocide, state power and human rights.
- Press conferences have seen many guests sidestep political questions, drawing criticism for figures like Michelle Yeoh and Neil Patrick Harris, while others including Rupert Grint and Tom Morello offered remarks.