Overview: Storm in a Bird's Nest
The Berlinale film festival faces criticism for prioritizing controversy over meaningful film discussion, overshadowing the quality of the films presented.
Berlinale 2026: Cinema against an authoritarian world
The 2026 Berlinale festival, despite the absence of Hollywood's major stars, is praised as one of the best editions in years, showcasing a diverse lineup of films that emphasize the power of cinema.
The Berlin Film Festival's 'Golden Bear' won by the political drama 'Yellow Letters'
The Berlin Film Festival awarded the 'Golden Bear' to 'Yellow Letters,' amidst discussions about the role of politics in cinema and expressions of support for Palestinians by some winners.
The Berlin Film Festival's Conclusion Shrouded in Controversy Over Gaza Strip
Controversy arose at the Berlin Film Festival regarding comments on Israel's government support made by jury chairman Wim Wenders, leading to backlash from major figures in the film industry.
The first Afghan film kiss and a director shooting her homeless brother. What films resonate at Berlinale
This year's Berlinale festival features discussions on the intersection of politics and film, highlighted by Wim Wenders' comments on artistic independence.
Future of the Film Festivals: The Berlinale Must Transform
The Berlinale faces challenges regarding its political stance and artistic independence, following its involvement in debates surrounding the Israeli-Gaza conflict.
Wim Wenders – A German Friend
Wim Wenders, a prominent German filmmaker, emphasizes the need for filmmakers to remain politically neutral during a press conference at the 76th Berlin Film Festival, drawing attention to the presentation of the film 'Uchronia'.
I didn't understand what Wim Wenders said, says Kleber Mendonça Filho in Berlin
Kleber Mendonça Filho expressed confusion over Wim Wenders' remarks at the Berlinale, emphasizing the intersection of cinema and politics.
From Bardem to Swinton: over 80 artists against the silence of Wim Wenders and the Berlinale on Gaza
Eighty-one directors and actors have signed an open letter to the Berlinale, criticizing the festival's silence regarding the conflict in Gaza.
Political debate casts a shadow over 76th Berlin Film Festival
The 76th Berlin Film Festival is overshadowed by controversy regarding the role of artists in politics, sparked by comments from jury president Wim Wenders and subsequent reactions from notable figures like Arundhati Roy.
Dozens of film industry stars condemn the silence of the Berlin Film Festival on the situation in Gaza
More than 80 film industry influencers, including renowned actors Javier Bardem and Tilda Swinton, criticize the Berlin Film Festival for remaining silent about the situation in Gaza in an open letter.
The First Afghan Kiss, Czech Homelessness, and Horrific Motherhood: Politics and Intimacy Resonate at Berlinale
The Berlinale festival opened with discussions on the intersection of politics and film, highlighted by Wim Wenders' controversial remarks on artistic independence.
Controversy at the 2026 Berlinale: Screenwriter Arundhati Roy withdraws due to Wim Wenders' comments on Gaza
Indian writer and activist Arundhati Roy has withdrawn from the Berlinale 2026 in response to Wim Wenders' comments about art and politics regarding Gaza.
Cinema Remains Politically Silent: 'We Should Not Expect Artists to Comment on All General Debates'
The Berlin International Film Festival is facing criticism for its shift away from politically charged content, described as a reflection of a fear-driven film industry.
Cinema is political, says Karim Aïnouz, after controversy at the Berlin Festival
Filmmakers Karim Aïnouz and Eliza Capai express their disbelief at the Berlin Festival jury's decision to distance itself from political statements, with Aïnouz critiquing jury president Wim Wenders for his remarks.
The political storm crushes cinema at the Berlinale
Political discussions at the Berlinale are being overshadowed by fears surrounding topics like Trump and Gaza.
The Berlin Film Festival defends itself amid controversies questioning its political commitment
The Berlin Film Festival issues a statement defending its president Wim Wenders amid media criticism regarding the festival's political stance.
Berlin Festival states that artists are not obligated to speak on political issues
The Berlin Festival has defended filmmakers and jury members, stating that artists are free to express their views and are not required to comment on political matters.
Berlinale'26. Media Storm Around Wim Wenders. Arundhati Roy Cancelled Her Visit
There is significant media attention surrounding Wim Wenders, the head of the jury at the Berlin Film Festival, following his remarks about the role of cinema in politics and a recent comment by jury member Ewa Puszczyńska regarding empathy in films.
Berlin Film Festival Diary: World Politics Has Also Driven Auteur Film to a Crossroads
The diary from the Berlin Film Festival discusses the conflict between engaging with current world politics and maintaining neutrality in auteur filmmaking.
The Second Day of the Berlin Festival: Gaza Invades the Theaters and the 'Golden Bear' in Crisis
The second day of the Berlin International Film Festival faced tension as discussions centered on the intersection of cinema and politics, particularly in light of recent events in Gaza.
The Berlinale defends its jury: 'Artists should not be expected to speak on all political issues'
The Berlinale festival has issued a statement defending its jury members against criticism for not addressing global political issues, particularly regarding Gaza.
The red bear
The article discusses the symbolism of the red bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and reflects on the influence of films on society as articulated by jury president Wim Wenders.
Berlin 2026: Between Political Tensions and Dua Lipa's Glamour on the Red Carpet
The Berlin Film Festival is set to navigate political tensions while still showcasing glamorous moments such as Dua Lipa attending alongside Callum Turner.
Roy Cancels Berlinale Appearance: Should Filmmakers Stay Out of Politics?
Arundhati Roy has canceled her planned appearance at Berlinale due to comments made by Jury President Wim Wenders regarding Palestine.
The writer Arundhati Roy cancels her presence at the Berlinale after the jury's refusal to condemn the genocide in Gaza
Arundhati Roy has canceled her appearance at the Berlinale film festival in protest of the jury's refusal to address the issue of genocide in Gaza.
"We are here to judge films": Wim Wenders' 'silence' on Gaza at the Berlin Festival
Wim Wenders faced criticism for his silence regarding the Gaza conflict during a press conference at the Berlin Film Festival.
On the first day: Gaza judges the 76th Berlin Film Festival
The opening day of the 76th Berlin Film Festival starkly confronted themes of freedom of expression and cultural independence amid ongoing tragedies in Gaza.
Indian writer leaves Berlin Festival after jury refuses to speak about politics
Indian author Arundhati Roy withdrew from the Berlin Festival after the jury president decided to avoid political discussions during the event's opening.
Berlinale, Arundhati Roy leaves the festival: "Artists must speak about politics"
Arundhati Roy announced her decision to withdraw from the Berlinale festival in response to comments made by jury members about avoiding political themes in filmmaking.
Opening of the Berlinale: Donata Wenders wears a dress made of VHS cassettes
At the Berlinale opening, photographer Donata Wenders showcased a unique dress made from vintage VHS tapes, commemorating her husband Wim Wenders' films.
Arundhati Roy quits Berlin film festival over ‘stay out of politics’ comment
Author Arundhati Roy has withdrawn from the Berlinale in protest of the festival chief's remarks about filmmakers staying out of politics.
Berlin International Film Festival: The Berlinale is also a place of viral mass
The Berlinale opened in the rain, highlighting social media presence with TikTok's partnership, as stars graced the red carpet.
The Berlinale 2026 Begins with Wim Wenders' Plea: Keep Cinema Away from Politics
The 76th Berlinale opened with a controversial statement from jury president Wim Wenders, advocating for cinema to remain independent from political involvement.
Berlinale Opens with a Call for Empathy and Film as a Counterbalance to Politics
The 76th edition of the Berlinale film festival commenced with a message emphasizing cinema's role as a counterbalance to politics, as articulated by its president, filmmaker Wim Wenders.
'We are the opposite of politics,' says filmmaker Wim Wenders at the Berlin Festival
Filmmaker Wim Wenders discusses the role of cinema in shaping perspectives amidst global violence during the Berlin Festival, addressing a contentious question regarding Germany's support in Gaza.
Berlinale Faces Authorial Uncertainty While Again Engaging with Its Vision of the Gaza Invasion
The Berlinale film festival begins amidst controversies regarding its approach to political topics, particularly the Gaza invasion, under new leadership.
‘Movies can change the world but not in a political way’ says Wim Wenders
Wim Wenders emphasizes the transformative power of cinema to foster empathy and bridge divides rather than impact political change as he presides over the Berlinale film festival.
Wim Wenders in Interview: "As if music and images have always been together"
Wim Wenders discusses his artistic preparation for the 'W.I.M.' exhibition and the 'Driven by Music' festival, emphasizing the integral connection between music and visual art.