Overview
- Tricia Tuttle said Wim Wenders’ opening-day remarks were misinterpreted and cautioned that engineered “gotcha moments” risk weakening the Berlinale.
- The festival issued statements defending its jury and guests, arguing artists should not be expected to answer every political question.
- Backlash has persisted after Wenders said filmmakers should stay out of politics, with author Arundhati Roy withdrawing her appearance in protest.
- Tuttle pointed to 278 films tackling subjects such as genocide, war-time sexual violence, corruption and colonialism as evidence of political engagement through programming.
- Many attendees, including Michelle Yeoh and Neil Patrick Harris, declined political questions at press conferences, while a few figures such as Rupert Grint and Tom Morello offered brief comments.