Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Lifestyle
RFI

Cinema and politics collide at Berlin Film Festival in row over Gaza war

Members of the jury, presided by German director Wim Wenders, at the opening ceremony of the 76th Berlin Film Festival on 12 February 2026. © Ronny HARTMANN / AFP

Separating cinema and politics is proving difficult at the Berlin Film Festival, where once again Israel's military offensive in Gaza is dividing filmmakers. More than 90 actors and directors have signed an open letter condemning the organisers' reticence to speak out against what they call a "genocide" of Palestinians.

Now in its 76th year, the Berlin Film Festival has never been a stranger to political statements.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.