Arundhati Roy withdraws from Berlinale over Wenders and Puszczyńska remarks
At the 2026 Berlinale opening press conference, jury president Wim Wenders stated that filmmakers must stay out of politics, calling cinema the opposite of politics. Jury member Ewa Puszczyńska, producer of The Zone of Interest, called a question about German support for Israel complicated and unfair, saying filmmakers cannot be responsible for viewers' decisions on Israel or Palestine. In response, author Arundhati Roy withdrew from presenting the restored 1989 film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, calling the comments 'jaw-dropping' and accusing them of shutting down conversation about a crime against humanity. Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle defended filmmakers, stating they should not be expected to comment on all political issues. The controversy highlights tensions between artistic freedom and political engagement at the festival.
Key facts
- Wim Wenders said filmmakers must stay out of politics.
- Ewa Puszczyńska called a question on German support for Israel complicated and unfair.
- Arundhati Roy withdrew from presenting a restored film at the 2026 Berlinale.
- Roy called the comments 'jaw-dropping' and accused them of shutting down conversation.
- Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle defended filmmakers' right to free speech.
- The controversy occurred at the 2026 Berlinale opening press conference.
- The film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones was restored and features Roy.
- The Guardian reported Roy's statement.
Entities
Artists
- Arundhati Roy
- Wim Wenders
- Ewa Puszczyńska
- Jonathan Glazer
- Tricia Tuttle
Institutions
- Berlinale
- The Guardian
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany