Arundhati Roy, the acclaimed Indian author, has announced her withdrawal from the Berlin Festival due to the jury president Wim Wenders' refusal to engage in political discourse surrounding the event. In a statement, Roy described the jury's stance, particularly regarding the current situation in Gaza, as "inconceivable," indicating her strong disapproval of the apolitical position taken by the festival's organizers. Wenders, known for his artistic contributions, has stated that artists should remain separate from politics, positioning themselves as a counterbalance rather than engaging directly in political matters, which has drawn criticism from several quarters.

During a recent press conference, Wenders expressed that the jury's role should not include political commentary, ruffling the feathers of artists like Roy who believe that silence in the face of pressing global issues is a disservice to their craft. Similarly, another jury member, Polish producer Ewa Puszczyńska, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that there are "many other wars" occurring and that it would be unfair to demand personal positions concerning Germany's support for Israel, particularly given the festival's financing ties to the nation.

Roy was slated to participate in the Classics showcase with her film "In Which Annie Give It Those Ones," which she described as a beloved project from her youth. Her departure not only signifies a personal stand on political issues but also ignites a broader conversation about the role of artists and cultural institutions in addressing or ignoring significant political events, particularly those influencing global humanitarian crises.