Row over Israel’s war on Gaza: Berlinale boss defends free speech

 

BERLIN – Remarks criticizing Israel over the war in Gaza at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival have continued to stoke controversy in Germany, with the festival’s outgoing artistic director defending filmmakers from criticism.

German Culture Minister Claudia Roth and several other politicians sharply criticized the festival and comments made by filmmakers at the Berlinale’s closing gala. Roth on Friday reiterated her demands for significant changes at the festival.

But Carlo Chatrian, Berlinale’s artistic director, and Mark Peranson, the festival’s director of programming, responded in a joint statement on Friday.

Chatrian and Peranson said that reaction from German politicians and media “weaponizes and instrumentalizes anti-Semitism for political means.”

The conflict in Gaza was addressed several times during the gala on Saturday, with members of the jury and award winners calling for a ceasefire. At least one guest described ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza as “genocide”.

Those remarks prompted an outraged response, including accusations of hatred toward Israel and anti-Semitism. Roth and Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner both denounced the remarks.

But Chatrian and Peranson defended the festival and said some filmmakers have since been subjected to abuse and threats.

“No matter our individual political convictions or beliefs, we should all keep in mind that freedom of speech is an essential part of what defines a democracy,” the two wrote. The awards ceremony “has been targeted in such a violent way that some people now see their lives threatened. This is unacceptable.”

During the event, Israeli filmmaker Yuval Abraham decried what he described as his country’s policy of apartheid. He received an award alongside Palestinian filmmaker Basel Adra for their film “No Other Land,” about settlement policy in the occupied West Bank.

Abraham said he has since received death threats and his family has also been threatened, something he blamed in part on accusations of anti-Semitism from German politicians and media.

Chatrian and Peranson wrote on Friday that they hope the Berlinale will remain a “window on the free world” and a place where all films can be shown.

Roth, the culture minister, has demanded an investigation into the festival, which receives funding from both the German and local Berlin governments.

In an interview with the news magazine Spiegel, Roth also suggested that the German government consider strict codes of conduct to control such speech in the future.

“It’s about the question of where artistic freedom ends when it violates human dignity,” she said.

Roth herself has also faced criticism from some corners for not reacting with outrage and criticism during the awards ceremony, which she attended in person, but only afterwards. Her ministry released a statement clarifying that she applauded for Abraham but did not clap for his Palestinian co-director.

“It is bitter that the unsuccessful and in part unbearable award ceremony is now overshadowing the entire Berlinale”, said Roth.