The Berlinale has always proudly carried the label of being a political, if not the most political, film festival. This year it was about politics before the first film even came out. At the beginning of February, the guest list for the opening gala of the Berlinale was announced, which also included five AfD politicians. This has to do with the protocols of the federal and state governments of Berlin. MPs from all parties are invited to cultural events that are co-financed by the public sector. There was protest against this from cultural workers, and the Berlinale management disinvited the AfD people again, citing the anti-democratic elements of their party.
Berlinale opening: “Hate is not on our guest list” – Culture
