The Berlin Film Festival has always been a platform for politically charged cinema, and this year's event is no exception. In his diary, Tõnu Karjatse reflects on how world politics has created a dilemma for filmmakers, particularly in terms of whether to engage with the pressing political issues of the day or to remain neutral. The festival opened with 'No Good Men,' a political drama from Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat, which has sparked significant discussion among attendees and critics alike.

The festival's jury president, Wim Wenders, made headlines at the press conference when he distanced film art from politics, an assertion that raised eyebrows among festival-goers. Berlin, known for its audacity, has a selection of films that are sharp and reflective of politics, but the programming notably lacks films that address the shifting global order and other transformative initiatives emerging from outside Europe. Wenders' dismissive response to a journalist's question regarding his stance on the Gaza conflict exemplifies the tension between the film community and the pressing geopolitical crises of our times.

This year’s Berlinale once again highlights the intersection of film and political discourse, illustrating the struggles faced by authors in navigating their role in a complex and often polarized world. The absence of films directly tackling critical global issues may point to a hesitance among filmmakers to confront these topics head-on, underlining the challenge of balancing artistic integrity with social responsibility in an increasingly interconnected world.