Film Festival
Roth wants to address criticism of Israel at the Berlinale finale
This year’s Berlinale was particularly marked by political debates. photo
© Soeren Stache/dpa
At the Berlinale, many artists were able to agree on their stance on the war in the Middle East. In doing so, they fed the accusation that the cultural sector was anti-Israel. Now the events should be investigated.
After the reactions to statements critical of Israel during the closing gala Berlinale, Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth has announced an investigation into the incidents.
“Together with the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Kai Wegner, and the Berlin Senate, who share responsibility for the Berlinale with us, we will now deal with the events at the Bear Awards,” said the Green politician on Monday. It should be examined whether the Berlinale has lived up to its claim to be a place for diversity, different perspectives and dialogue or not. Roth also wants to clarify “how it can be ensured in the future that the Berlinale is a place that is free from hatred, agitation, anti-Semitism, racism, anti-Muslim sentiment and any form of misanthropy.”
Outrage over genocide remarks
During the gala on Saturday evening, the Middle East conflict was discussed several times. Numerous jury members and award winners called for a ceasefire in the Gaza war verbally or with badges. At the end of his acceptance speech for an award, the American director Ben Russell spoke of a genocide. The statements were subsequently met with criticism and outrage.
“The statements at the Berlinale Bear Awards on Saturday evening were shockingly one-sided and characterized by a deep hatred of Israel,” said Roth. “It is not acceptable if, on an evening like this, international filmmakers do not mention the brutal terrorist attack by Hamas on over a thousand people living peacefully and celebrating at a festival and their cruel murder, nor do they say a word about the more than 130 hostages those who are still in the power of Hamas.” The inhumane strategy of Hamas, which is partly responsible for the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza, was also not mentioned. “Appearing like this at an international film festival doesn’t help anyone, certainly not the civilian population in Gaza.” The Hamas terrorist attack and the suffering of the hostages were only addressed clearly by festival director Mariette Rissenbeek. “But that’s not enough,” said Roth.
Roth emphasizes the artistic freedom of the Berlinale
She had pointed out to the Berlinale in advance how necessary it was for the Berlinale to prepare for this difficult situation. The festival responded to this. Regardless of this, Roth announced that her company would have a conversation with the outgoing management duo of Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian. In addition, Roth says he is in talks with the future director Tricia Tuttle, who will take office in April. “Together with her, we will draw the necessary conclusions from the processing of this Berlinale,” said Roth. “However, I would like to emphasize very clearly that the artistic freedom and independence of the Berlinale must not be compromised. I clearly reject such demands. However, this curatorial freedom also comes with great responsibility.”