Dozens of film industry figures, including Oscar-winning actors Tilda Swinton and Javier Bardem, have signed an open letter accusing the Berlin International Film Festival of “anti-Palestinian racism” over its refusal to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The letter, published on Tuesday in Variety with over 80 signatories and coordinated by the Film Workers for Palestine collective, expresses dismay at the Berlinale’s “involvement in censoring artists who oppose Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza” and criticizes “the German state’s key role in enabling” the atrocities.

Germany has been one of Israel’s staunchest supporters since the start of the Gaza war, having approved over $560 million in military exports to the Jewish state.

The authors of the letter also pointed to the refusal of more than 5,000 film workers to collaborate with “complicit Israeli film companies and institutions” amid growing industry pressure over the conflict.

The backlash was triggered by comments from this year’s jury president, German director Wim Wenders, who told reporters last week that filmmakers should “stay out of politics” when asked about Gaza. Fellow jury member Ewa Puszczynska called it “a little bit unfair” to expect the jury to take a direct stance.

Indian novelist Arundhati Roy withdrew from the festival in response, calling Wenders’ remarks “unconscionable.” 

The authors of the letter also “fervently” disagreed with Wenders, arguing filmmaking and politics cannot be separated, and that the Berlinale has made “clear statements in the past about atrocities carried out against people in Iran and Ukraine,” questioning why Gaza is treated differently.

The controversy comes as violence continues in Gaza, where Palestinian health officials report over 72,000 killed since October 2023, with more than 600 deaths recorded since a US-backed ceasefire took effect in October 2025. Rights groups have condemned Israel’s ongoing operations, which have expanded a designated no-go zone covering roughly 58% of Gaza’s land area.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023 after Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage. Israel responded by enforcing a blockade of the enclave and launching military operations aimed at eradicating the Palestinian militant group.

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