A group of dedicated Berlinale workers has taken a bold stance, publishing an open letter urging the festival to support a ceasefire in Gaza. They demand that festival leadership adopt a stronger institutional position against the ongoing assault on Palestinian life. The letter emphasizes the need for the Berlinale and its employees to hold themselves to a higher standard in addressing critical global issues.
The group acknowledges the challenges of speaking out in Germany’s cultural sector due to institutional inertia and limited freedom of expression. However, they firmly believe that as programmers, consultants, moderators, facilitators, and space holders, along with their fellow Berlinale workers, they have a responsibility to voice dissent against the current assault on Palestinian life. They believe that the Berlinale, as an international platform, should support the global solidarity movement by advocating for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
The open letter also highlights the lack of active and discursive engagement with the urgency and reality of the moment within the festival’s program. The group expresses disappointment in the absence of initiatives that invite professionals and audiences into dedicated spaces for meaningful discussions. While the Berlinale does feature a TinyHouse event allowing visitors to engage in open dialogue about the war in Israel and Gaza, the group feels that a more significant effort is required.
In light of the immense loss of civilian life in Gaza, including journalists, artists, and film workers, as well as the destruction of cultural heritage, the group is calling for stronger institutional stances. They expect the Berlinale to be consistent in its response to events that have impacted the international community in recent years.
As of now, the Berlinale has not responded to Variety’s request for comment on the matter.
It’s worth noting that the Berlinale has faced prior backlash, particularly regarding its invitation to the German right-wing extremist party, AfD, to the festival’s opening ceremony. However, after widespread protests, the festival withdrew the politicians’ invitations, emphasizing its commitment to a free, tolerant society and its stance against right-wing extremism.
To read the full open letter and see the list of signees, visit here.
Source: Variety