At the Berlin International Film Festival, known as Berlinale, actress Sandra Höhler won the Silver Bear for her leading performance in the drama 'Rose' directed by Markus Schleinzer. This marks a significant recognition for Höhler, who previously won the Silver Bear for Best Actress in 2006, showcasing her return to acclaim with a complex role as a woman in 17th-century Germany who adopts a male identity to escape strict patriarchal constraints.

However, the festival has not been without controversy, particularly regarding its response to the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza. As the event concluded, its director described the past ten days as filled with 'turbulent waves,' indicating that discussions surrounding the conflict often overshadowed the critique of the 22 films featured in the official competition. The tension within the festival reached a peak when jury president Wim Wenders commented on the German government's support for Israel, emphasizing that they should not venture into political discussions, which sparked further debate.

The accusations levied by prominent filmmakers and actors regarding the festival’s political stance suggest a significant division within the industry about the role of cinema in contemporary social and political issues. These tensions reflect a broader cultural dialogue about the responsibilities of artists and festivals in addressing global crises and whether their platforms should be used to voice dissent or celebrate artistic achievements in isolating contexts.