The closing of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival was marked by a political scandal. Syrian-Palestinian director Abdallah Alkhatib, while accepting the award for best debut, accused the German government of complicity in genocide in the Gaza Strip. In protest against these statements, Federal Minister for the Environment Carsten Schneider left the cinema hall. The incident sparked a wave of criticism from German politicians and media, who accused the creators of presenting a one-sided message.

Genocide Accusations

Director Abdallah Alkhatib publicly called the German government complicit in genocide in Gaza.

Minister's Protest

Carsten Schneider (SPD) left the gala in response to the artist's anti-Israeli speech.

Controversy Over the Award

The film "Chronicles From the Siege" won in the Perspectives section, receiving 50,000 euros.

Lack of Condemnation of Hamas

Media criticize the festival for lacking references to the terrorist attack of October 7.

During the closing gala of the 76th Berlinale, an unprecedented diplomatic incident occurred. Abdallah Alkhatib, the creator of the award-winning film "Chronicles From the Siege", used the stage to deliver a radical political manifesto. The director, wrapped in a keffiyeh and holding a Palestinian flag, described the German cabinet as a "partner in genocide". These words met with an immediate reaction from Environment Minister Carsten Schneider of the SPD, who was present in the hall and demonstratively left the event. Journalists covering the gala note a strong polarization of moods. While part of the audience applauded Alkhatib's speech, commentators emphasize that the context of Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, was completely omitted in the address. Critics accuse the festival's management of allowing the politicization of art in a way that harms diplomatic relations and Germany's historical memory. The organizers, despite earlier attempts to avoid controversial topics, faced accusations of legitimizing antisemitic narratives. German foreign policy for decades has been based on the principle of "Staatsräson", meaning the recognition of Israel's security as a raison d'état for the Federal Republic of Germany, stemming from historical responsibility for the Holocaust.This situation fits into a broader trend of tensions at the intersection of culture and politics in Germany. Previous editions of the festival have also stirred emotions regarding artists' stances on Middle East conflicts. The current scandal may lead to a revision of funding rules for public cultural institutions or a tightening of regulations concerning speeches during state ceremonies. „The German government are partners in the genocide in Gaza by Israel.” — Abdallah Alkhatib50 000 — euros received by the award-winning director for best debut

Mentioned People

  • Abdallah Alkhatib — Syrian-Palestinian director awarded for his debut, the cause of the scandal.
  • Carsten Schneider — German Minister for the Environment, who left the gala in a gesture of protest.
  • İlker Çatak — Winner of the Golden Bear for best film.