Timeline
February 15, 2026 — February 22, 2026
World
Timeline: Berlin Film Festival Controversy Over Politics and Cinema
The Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) became embroiled in controversy after jury president Wim Wenders made comments suggesting filmmakers should 'stay out of politics' when asked about the Israel-Gaza conflict. This sparked immediate backlash, led to a prominent author canceling her appearance, and prompted the festival to issue a defensive statement supporting its jury. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions about the role of art and artists in political discourse.
3 events · 7 days · 29 source articles
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Major
Wim Wenders Makes Controversial Comments at Berlin Film Festival Opening
At the opening press conference of the Berlin Film Festival, jury president Wim Wenders responded to a question about the Israel-Gaza conflict by stating that filmmakers 'have to stay out of politics' and that cinema should be 'the counterweight of politics, the opposite of politics.' These comments surprised onlookers and would trigger a significant backlash.
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Major
Author Arundhati Roy Cancels Festival Appearance in Protest
In response to Wenders' comments, renowned author Arundhati Roy canceled her planned visit to the Berlin Film Festival and penned a stinging rebuke of the jury president's position. Her withdrawal represented a high-profile protest against the festival's stance on the relationship between art and politics.
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Major
Berlin Film Festival Issues Defensive Statement Supporting Jury
Following what it described as a 'media storm that has swept over the Berlinale' in its first two days, the Berlin Film Festival issued a lengthy statement 'in defense of our filmmakers, and especially our jury and jury President.' The communiqué attempted to address the criticism leveled at Wenders and the jury for their comments about politics and cinema.
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