Wim Wenders' Claim That Art Should Not Be Political Sparks Outrage at Berlinale

At the Berlinale press conference, jury president Wim Wenders remarked that films lack the power to effect political change and suggested that artists should refrain from engaging in politics, notably avoiding a position on the Gaza conflict. In response, over 81 filmmakers and actors issued an open letter condemning the festival's lack of commentary on Gaza. Author Arundhati Roy withdrew from the event, labeling Wenders' remarks as 'staggering' and accusing him of stifling discussions on genocide. Wenders later emphasized that cinema should counteract the surrounding noise, a sentiment echoed by Nick Cave, who argued that extreme 'political art' ceases to be art. Art critic Christian Caliandro contended that all art is inherently political, urging artists to speak out during crises like the Gaza genocide, and highlighted various politically engaged artists who have created significant works.