The 76th Berlin International Film Festival, commonly known as Berlinale, commenced with a notable assertion from its jury president, prominent filmmaker Wim Wenders. In a press conference, Wenders emphasized the importance of distancing cinema from political influence, suggesting that engaging too deeply with politics could compromise the authenticity of film as an art form. He articulated that while films can indeed have a powerful impact on the world, their role should not be to serve political agendas but to act as a counterbalance to them.

Wenders conveyed his belief that the function of cinema transcends the political sphere, stating, "We cannot really enter the realm of politics. We must stay aloof from politics because if we made films dedicated to politics, we would enter that political domain." His comments sparked a debate about the relationship between art and politics, as he asserted that filmmakers should focus on their role in society rather than aligning with political motives, offering a different perspective on the influence of film in societal change.

Furthermore, Wenders stressed that while cinema has the capacity to influence public sentiment and potentially alter the world, it should not be perceived as a tool for political change. His remarks underscore an ongoing dialogue within the film industry regarding the boundaries between artistic expression and political engagement, as well as the responsibilities of filmmakers in using their platforms for social commentary without compromising their artistic integrity.