Cultural policy
Supervisory board wants Berlinale “free from hatred and agitation”
The first blanks of the Berlinale bears can be seen in the Hermann Noack picture foundry. The supervisory board of the International Film Festival discussed the controversial Berlinale gala in a special meeting. photo
© Jens Kalaene/dpa
After sometimes heated debates about statements made by artists during the Berlinale, the KBB supervisory board is admonishing the film festival in Berlin. “Room for political classification” is desired.
The supervisory board of the International Film Festival has the Berlinale taken to task after the controversial Bear Gala. The Berlinale must remain a place “that is free from hatred, agitation, anti-Semitism, racism, anti-Muslim and every form of misanthropy,” says a resolution by the Supervisory Board of the Federal Cultural Events in Berlin (KBB), which also includes the Berlinale heard.
The Middle East conflict was discussed several times during the gala. Numerous jury members and award winners called for a ceasefire in the Gaza war verbally or with badges. Statements also spoke of apartheid in connection with the situation in the territories occupied by Israel and of genocide with regard to the army’s actions in Gaza. Afterwards there was numerous criticism including accusations of hatred of Israel and anti-Semitism.
“Room for political classification” desired
Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth (Greens) convened the KBB Supervisory Board as chairwoman. Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian are currently at the helm of the Berlinale, with Tricia Tuttle taking over in April.
“The personal opinion of individual prize winners who were honored for their artistic work cannot be attributed to the Berlinale,” says the supervisory board’s resolution. For the future, it should be ensured “that, on the one hand, freedom of expression and artistic freedom within the constitutionally protected framework remains guaranteed for guests and prize winners, but on the other hand there remains room for political classification and counter-speech for the Berlinale.”
According to the statement, the supervisory board respects “the independent decisions of the juries as part of the curatorial responsibility.” At the same time, Tuttle’s reflections on organizational changes are welcomed, “particularly on building a strong management team.” This should be initiated as quickly as possible.