The Berlin Film Festival began on February 15th with a lively opening ceremony held at the Berlinale Palast theatre in the Capital city of Germany. The esteem festival celebrates the world premiere of "Small Things Like These" starring award winning actor Cillian Murphy, marking the first Irish film to kick off the Berlinale.
But putting on the festival hasn't been so easy. Two days before the festival's kickoff, several employees penned an open letter urging the festival to take further action on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Furthermore, two directors Ayo Tsalithaba and Suneil Sangziri both pulled out their films in protest of Germany's support of Israel.
Prior to the screenings, the night open with a speech held by hosts Hadnet Tesfai and Jo Schück whom initiated their introductions with a series of comments addressing a prominent topic of discussion, which was politics.
Tesfai opened her speech by asking “When thousands have died, and there’s been so much violence in the Middle East since the 7th of October, what do we want a film festival to do?"
She went on to state “Of course, this has an impact on us as humans, and of course, it has an impact on institutions like Berlinale. So, we cannot afford to pretend this is none of our business. Because it 100% is.”
The speech was well received by audience members. Afterwards, the two hosts were joined by Berlinale co-directors Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek to not only introduce this year's festival competition but to also touch on the recent political events.
Berlinale has always been a place for political discussion, however, the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflicts lead to debates and protests which may cause potential strife at the festival. The conflict began on October 7 of last year when thousands of Hamas militants entered southern Israel, resulting in thousands of casualties and captivates. Since then, Israel has launched numerous airstrikes on the Gaza Strip with the objective of ousting the Hamas leadership and securing the release of the hostages.
Rissenbeek's speech.
Despite Germany's support of Israel, the directors expressed their aim for open dialogue surrounding the war, however, also strongly stated that hatred would not be tolerated .
“We are opposed to all forms of discrimination whether it’s anti-semitism or Islamaphobia"
- Rissenbeek
Furthermore, many films at the festival echo the call for open dialogue, among them is the documentary No Other Land directed by a collective of Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers, Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. The film follows a Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist, documenting the unexpected boned formed between the two despite the ongoing violence in the West Bank.
The Berlinale also created the "Tiny Space" initiative, a intimate and private section of the festival were participants can engage in open conversations about the on-going political crisis.
Consequently, politics also played a heavily role in the making of the festival's guest list. Many representatives of the far-right Alternative Germany party, also known as the AfD were uninvited. This move by the festival was especially striking as all members of the Berlin legislature are traditionally invited by events hosted with public money. The festival took a strong stance in stating that “the AfD and many of its members and representatives hold views that are deeply contrary to the fundamental values of democracy.”
As well, in Rissenbeek's speech at the festival, herself and German Cultural Minsiter Claudia Roth, publicly condemned the AfD by saying that the group spread hatred, something that will not be tolerated.
"But in the face of that racism and hatred, we assert the beauty of difference, respect, and courage. Empathy and humanity is our response to counter their hatred and racism.”
- Claudia Roth
In this vibrant political climate, a demonstration for democracy, diversity, and peaceful coexistence illuminated the red carpet, symbolizing solidarity amid discord. Joined by filmmakers and notable figures such as Jonathan Berlin and Meret Becker, attendees illuminated the red carpet for peace.
In the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict, debates and protests loom over the festival, underscoring the intrinsic connection between art and the world's pressing issues. The directors' call for open dialogue amid Germany's support for Israel reflects a nuanced stance aimed at fostering understanding while denouncing hatred and discrimination.
As the Berlinale unfolds, it serves not only as a celebration of cinematic artistry but also as a platform for meaningful dialogue and advocacy for justice and tolerance.
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