Kleber Mendonça Filho, the director of "O Agente Secreto," who is attending the Berlinale, voiced his puzzlement regarding comments made by fellow filmmaker Wim Wenders. Mendonça, whose film is nominated for four Academy Awards, remarked that discussions about society invariably intersect with political themes. Wenders had previously asserted that cinema stands in opposition to politics, a statement that has sparked debate about the role of filmmakers in addressing real-world issues.

During a brief visit to Berlin for professional commitments, Mendonça reflected on Wenders' remarks shortly before being honored at the Brazilian Embassy. He specifically expressed confusion regarding Wenders' historical perspective, particularly in light of Wenders' earlier film "Wings of Desire," which dealt with the divided city of Berlin. Mendonça highlighted the importance of understanding cinema as a medium that can reflect and respond to societal conditions, especially in times of crisis.

The context of this discussion is heightened by Wenders' comments in response to a journalist's inquiry about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Gaza. The inquiry had implications considering the festival's main sponsor is the German government, reflecting a delicate balance filmmakers must strike between artistic expression and political engagement. Mendonça's remarks underline a critical conversation in the film industry about the responsibility of artists to address pressing social issues through their work.