Bardem, Swinton accuse Berlin Film Festival of 'anti-Palestinian racism'

Dozens of prominent actors and directors, including Javier Bardem and Tilda Swinton, have accused the Berlin International Film Festival of "anti-Palestinian racism" and institutional repression, according to an open letter published in Variety on Wednesday. The 81 signatories criticized what they termed the Berlinale's "involvement in censoring artists who oppose Israel's ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza."

Wenders' Remarks Draw Fire

The artists specifically objected to comments by this year's jury president, Wim Wenders, who said at a recent press briefing when asked about Gaza: "We should stay out of politics." The letter argued the festival's stance contrasts sharply with its positions on Russia's war on Ukraine and developments in Iran. "You cannot separate one from the other," they wrote, rejecting Wenders' claim that filmmaking is the "opposite of politics."

Past Incidents and Unmet Demands

The letter cited incidents from last year's festival: "Filmmakers who spoke out for Palestinian life and liberty from the Berlinale stage reported being aggressively reprimanded by senior festival programmers. One filmmaker was reported to have been investigated by police, and Berlinale leadership falsely implied that the filmmaker's moving speech—rooted in international law and solidarity—was 'discriminatory.'" The signatories noted the festival "has so far not even met the demands of its community to issue a statement that affirms the Palestinian right to life, dignity, and freedom."

Call for Accountability

"We stand with our colleagues in rejecting this institutional repression and anti-Palestinian racism," the artists stated. They called on the Berlinale to "fulfil its moral duty and clearly state its opposition to Israel's genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Palestinians, and completely end its involvement in shielding Israel from criticism." The appeal follows Indian author Arundhati Roy's withdrawal from this year's festival, citing "unconscionable statements" by jury members.