Filmmakers defend Berlinale director over flag row

2026-02-26 - 09:32

Hundreds of film professionals in Germany and internationally have voiced support for the leadership of the Berlin International Film Festival, widely known as the Berlinale, amid debate over the possible dismissal of its director, Tricia Tuttle. According to reporting by Tagesspiegel, the signatories argue that the controversy risks undermining the festival’s role as a forum for artistic dialogue.Open letter highlights artistic exchange Among those backing the statement are director Tom Tykwer, actor Tilda Swinton and filmmaker Todd Haynes. The letter emphasizes that the Berlinale is “a place of exchange” and defends a photograph in which festival representatives were pictured alongside filmmakers with a Palestinian flag visible in the background. The signatories contend that appearing in photographs with international guests does not amount to political endorsement but reflects the diversity inherent in a global cultural event. Extraordinary meeting called The petition comes ahead of a special session of the festival’s governing body convened by Germany’s culture minister Wolfram Weimer to discuss the festival’s “future direction.” Observers believe the meeting was prompted by criticism surrounding political statements made during this year’s edition of the Berlinale. Supporters of Tuttle argue that any decision regarding leadership should not compromise artistic autonomy or institutional independence. Broader debate over Gaza statements The dispute follows a separate open letter published in Variety in which 81 film workers accused the Berlin festival of “anti-Palestinian racism” and criticized what they described as censorship of artists speaking out on Gaza. Among those previously raising concerns were Swinton and actor Javier Bardem. The debate also drew in this year’s jury president, Wim Wenders, who said during a press briefing that “we should stay out of politics” when questioned about Gaza. The controversy underscores a broader tension within European cultural institutions over freedom of expression, political speech and the boundaries between artistic programming and geopolitical debate.