Over 80 renowned filmmakers have signed an open letter accusing the Berlin International Film Festival of institutional silence and censorship of artists opposing Israel's actions in Gaza. Among the signatories are Javier Bardem, Tilda Swinton, and Adam McKay. The protest erupted during the 76th edition of the festival, placing the organizers in a difficult reputational and political situation.

Loud protest by stars

Over 80 cinema personalities, including Tilda Swinton and Javier Bardem, demand that Berlinale take a stance on the war in Gaza.

Allegations of censorship

Artists accuse the festival of institutional silence and restricting voices opposing Israel's actions and the role of Germany.

Political context of the festival

The Berlinale management, traditionally considered a political festival, faces the challenge of reconciling artistic freedom with German state interests.

A group of over 80 artists, including Oscar winners and regulars at the Berlin festival, issued a sharp open letter published in the trade magazine „Variety”. Signatories, including Javier Bardem, Tilda Swinton, Nan Goldin, and directors Mike Leigh and Adam McKay, express deep concern about the stance of the Berlinale authorities. The artists accuse the institution of lacking a clear position on the conflict in the Gaza Strip and yielding to political pressures resulting in restrictions on artists' freedom of expression. Since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli intervention, German cultural institutions have been under strong pressure to balance support for Israel with the right to criticize its military actions.The letter emphasizes that the festival, which traditionally promotes itself as a political and socially engaged event, is this time failing in its mission. Signatories called on the organizers to fulfill a moral duty and unequivocally condemn actions they describe as „genocide of Palestinians”. The criticism also concerns alleged censorship of artists who have publicly expressed opposition to the policy of the German government, a key ally of Israel. Controversies intensified after statements by Wim Wenders, the jury president, who suggested that the festival should avoid extreme politicization. 81 — artists and filmmakers signed the open letter to the festival's management The situation around this year's Berlinale is unprecedented in terms of the number of withdrawn projects and public protests. Earlier, there were reports of creators withdrawing from participation in the festival's side sections in a gesture of solidarity with Palestine. The festival's editorial team issued a statement defending democratic values and artistic freedom, but for many critics, this is too cautious a response. The current edition of the event shows how deep divisions in the cultural world are generated by the Middle East conflict, especially in a country with such a complex history of relations with Israel as Germany. „We call on Berlinale to fulfill its moral duty and clearly oppose the genocide in Gaza and the systematic censorship of artists.” — Signatories of the letter

Mentioned People

  • Javier Bardem — Spanish actor and Oscar winner, one of the main signatories of the letter criticizing Berlinale.
  • Tilda Swinton — British actress, recipient of a lifetime achievement award at Berlinale 2025, signatory of the letter.
  • Wim Wenders — German director, president of the jury at the 76th Berlinale, whose statements about politics in cinema sparked controversy.
  • Adam McKay — American director and screenwriter, co-author of the open letter.
  • Mike Leigh — Renowned British film and theatre director supporting the artists' protest.