Arundhati Roy withdraws from Berlin film festival over Gaza remarks

NEW DELHI (Web Desk) - Indian author Arundhati Roy has announced her withdrawal from the Berlin International Film Festival, citing what she described as “unforgivable” remarks by jury members regarding Gaza.

Writing in The Wire, Roy criticised comments made by the festival jury, including chairman Wim Wenders, who reportedly said that “art should not be political.” She said such statements attempt to shut down discussion about what she termed crimes against humanity occurring in Gaza.

Roy expressed shock and anger, arguing that artists, writers and filmmakers should use their influence to call for an end to war.

She described the situation in Gaza as genocide against the Palestinian people and accused several Western countries, including the United States and Germany, of supporting Israel militarily and financially.

During the festival’s opening panel, a journalist asked jury members about Germany’s stance on Gaza and selective application of human rights. Wenders responded that filmmakers should remain separate from politics, saying their role differs from that of politicians.

Another jury member, Polish producer Ewa Puszczynska, reportedly called the question somewhat unfair, arguing that filmmakers cannot be held responsible for government policies and noting that other conflicts around the world receive less attention.

Roy had been due to attend the festival, running from February 12 to 22, as her 1989 film “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones” was selected for screening in the Classics section.

The controversy comes amid wider criticism of German state-funded cultural institutions, with hundreds of international artists in 2024 calling for boycotts over alleged restrictions on pro-Palestinian expression.