As the iconic Berlin Film Festival gears up for its opening this Thursday, it finds itself entangled not only in the celebration of cinema but also in the thick of political tensions over the rise of the far-right in Germany and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic setbacks and a production slowdown, the festival nonetheless faces these new challenges head-on.
In conjunction with the Berlinale, the European Film Market is projected to have a robust year, buoyed by optimism following the resolution of the Hollywood scriptwriters’ strike. Commercial prospects are looking up, reflecting a resurgence in the film industry.
However, the festival is simultaneously shrouded in political discourse, addressing the alarming growth in support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in the lead-up to the European elections. Matt Damon, seen penning autographs at the ‘Small Things Like These’ photocall, finds himself amidst a festival that’s courting more than just film enthusiasts.
“The essence of the Berlinale—films, entertainment, culture—sometimes seems overshadowed by the politicized atmosphere that has enveloped the city,” commented Scot Roxborough from the Hollywood Reporter.
The Berlinale has a historical politicized background, given its origins during the Cold War in a city then-divided by geopolitics, making the current political unrest not altogether foreign. Tensions escalated prior to the festival’s commencement when organizers rescinded invitations to AfD politicians due to public outcry. The revocation followed disturbing reports of senior AfD members proposing the forced removal of German citizens of minority ethnic backgrounds.
“In the spirit of promoting a free and open democratic society, we made the decision to retract our invitations,” the festival organizers stated.
Also stirring controversy is Germany’s position on the Gaza conflict, where it simultaneously supports Israel’s right to self-defense and criticizes potential human rights violations by Israeli forces in Gaza. This stance has led to at least one film being pulled from the festival in protest against Berlin’s perceived pro-Israel inclination.
“It is likely we’ll witness fervent demonstrations from both sides of the conflict, potentially spilling over into the city at large,” Roxborough anticipates.
International Jury President Lupita Nyong’o and Jury member Jasmine Trinca have arrived for their respective roles as this year marks the final festival directed by Carlo Chatrian. His tenure was characterized by a curated focus on indie cinema over mainstream, star-studded offerings.
Among the celebrities gracing this year’s festival is Cillian Murphy, in the limelight after his Oscar-nominated performance in “Oppenheimer” and featured in the opening movie, “Small Things Like These.” Additionally, Kristen Stewart, last year’s jury president, makes a return with her new film “Love Lies Bleeding,” and Adam Sandler appears with the flick “Spaceman.”
While the glitz and glamour of the silver screen remain integral to the Berlinale, it’s evident that this year’s edition unfolds under the pervasive shadow of political discourse. With celebrities walking the red carpet amid an atmosphere charged with political overtones, the event is set to be a confluence of filmic artistry and real-world concerns, reflecting a time when movies and sociopolitical realities become inexorably linked.
