Film Festival
Roth: Berlinale stands for artistic freedom and against racism
Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth defended the festival management’s actions. photo
© Monika Skolimowska/dpa
There is criticism after invitations to AfD representatives to the opening of the Berlinale. Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth stands in front of the festival management – and condemns right-wing extremist developments.
In the discussion about invitations for politicians from the right-wing populist AfD At the Berlinale opening, Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth defended the festival management’s actions. The criticism goes back to an open letter on the Internet from February 2nd, which can no longer be found online. The statement, which was supported by numerous filmmakers among others, called for invitations to AfD representatives to be withdrawn. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution is treating the AfD as a suspected right-wing extremist case.
“At our suggestion, the members of the cultural committee of the German Bundestag, which is responsible for policy matters, were also invited to the opening of the Berlinale, which was also made possible with significant federal funds,” said a spokesman for Roth in a reaction. “This corresponds to democratic practice and the federal government’s respect for parliament and its elected representatives.”
“Anti-democratic forces”
At the same time, he emphasized the Green politician’s “great regret” that the AfD is represented in the Bundestag. “In Claudia Roth’s view, anti-democratic, anti-rule of law and racist political forces have no place in the German Bundestag.” Roth will continue to work “with great determination against right-wing extremism, racism, anti-Semitism and every form of misanthropy, as well as for a diverse, open and democratic social model.”
The Berlinale and its program show a cosmopolitan and diverse Germany, said the spokesman. “The Berlinale stands for the freedom of art and for the fight against racism, exclusion and discrimination.” Roth will always support, protect and defend this. “This is what the overwhelming majority of invited guests should and will definitely support and will all stand for exactly.”
If AfD MPs accept the invitations to the Berlinale opening, they would have to endure “the fact that they are clearly confronted with exactly this at the Berlinale. Otherwise they should stay away,” said Roth’s spokesman.
“We stand up against all forms of exclusion”
The Berlinale had previously also referred to the parliamentary status and at the same time emphasized: “We are committed to opposing any form of exclusion and discrimination and consistently stand up for the values of a cosmopolitan and liberal democracy.” A statement continued: “People – including elected officials – who violate these fundamental values are not welcome at the Berlinale.” This will be expressed clearly and emphatically in personal letters to AfD representatives and on other occasions.
Berlin refers to the aspect of equal treatment
In Berlin, the Berlinale Senate Chancellery’s protocol is working on the invitations for the contingent available to the state of Berlin. The Senate Chancellery said that Parliament, as the budget legislator, is always invited to events that are supported with public money. “The invitation practice follows exclusively the aspect of equal treatment. All factions represented in the House of Representatives are taken into account.”
Along with Cannes and Venice, the Berlinale is one of the world’s largest film festivals. The next edition runs from February 15th to 25th.