Indian author Arundhati Roy has withdrawn from the Berlin International Film Festival, citing “unconscionable statements” made by jury members about Israel’s war in Gaza.
Roy expressed her shock and disgust in a statement published in The Wire newspaper, where she described the remarks as “jaw-dropping” and a way to “shut down a conversation about a crime against humanity”.
The controversy began during a panel discussion at the festival, where jury chair Wim Wenders said filmmakers “have to stay out of politics” when asked about German support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Official Statements
Wenders stated that filmmakers should not enter the field of politics, as they are the “counterweight to politics” and should focus on the work of people, not politicians.
Another jury member, Polish film producer Ewa Puszczynska, said it was “a bit unfair” to pose questions about the German government’s support for Israel, adding that filmmakers cannot be responsible for government actions.
Roy had been scheduled to participate in the festival, which runs from February 12 to 22, with her 1989 film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones being screened in the Classics section.
Regional Context
Germany, a significant exporter of weapons to Israel, has introduced measures to prevent people from speaking out in solidarity with Palestinians, sparking criticism from artists and activists.
In 2024, over 500 international artists and filmmakers called on creatives to stop working with German-funded cultural institutions, citing “McCarthyist policies” that suppress freedom of expression and solidarity with Palestine.
Source: The Wire
