Film Industry Figures Criticize Berlin Festival’s Silence on Gaza

Post by : Saif Nasser

More than 80 people from the global film community have publicly criticized the Berlin International Film Festival for not taking a clear stand on the war in Gaza. In a joint letter, film workers said the festival’s silence on the conflict sends the wrong message and ignores the human cost of war.

The group includes actors, directors, writers, and producers. Many of them have worked with the Berlin festival before or had films shown there. They say cultural institutions that speak about justice and freedom should not stay quiet when civilians are suffering.

The letter argues that film festivals are not just about entertainment. They are also public platforms that shape discussion and values. Because of this, the signers believe festival leaders have a moral responsibility to speak clearly when major humanitarian crises happen.

According to the group, the problem is not only silence but also inconsistency. They point out that major cultural events in Europe have spoken out strongly on other conflicts in recent years. In this case, they say, the tone has been far more cautious. That difference has led to anger and disappointment among some artists.

Several well-known film figures are reported to be among the signers, including award-winning actors and directors. They say that artists often tell stories about injustice, war, and human rights. For that reason, asking artists to stay “neutral” in real-life crises does not make sense to them.

The debate grew stronger after comments from festival leadership suggested that art events should avoid political positions. Critics rejected that idea. They argue that cinema and politics are often linked because films reflect real human experiences. War, displacement, and suffering are common themes in movies, so they say it is not possible to fully separate art from world events.

Another concern raised in the letter is the treatment of filmmakers who previously spoke about Palestinian suffering at international events. Some artists feel that voices on this issue have faced more scrutiny and pushback than others. The signers say open discussion should be protected, even when opinions are uncomfortable.

Supporters of the festival’s careful approach see it differently. They argue that large international festivals must remain open to people from all sides. They warn that if festivals take official political positions, they may divide audiences and participants. In their view, a festival should provide space for films and dialogue, not official judgments on conflicts.

This disagreement shows a larger question facing cultural institutions today: Should they take public positions on wars and political crises, or should they stay neutral and focus only on art? There is no easy answer, but the pressure is clearly growing.

Film festivals like the Berlin event are among the most respected cultural gatherings in the world. They present films from many countries and often highlight stories about justice, identity, and human rights. Because of that reputation, many artists expect strong ethical leadership from them.

From an editorial point of view, silence is also a form of message. When respected institutions choose not to speak, people will still draw conclusions. At the same time, public statements must be careful, fair, and focused on human dignity rather than political slogans.

What matters most is that space remains open for honest voices — especially from filmmakers and victims directly affected by conflict. Art should not be forced into silence. Nor should dialogue be shut down by fear.

The current dispute around the Berlin festival is not just about one event. It reflects a wider global struggle over how culture, responsibility, and free expression should work together during times of war.