Friedrich Merz expects the allegations to be clarified quickly

This year’s Berlinale, which ended on Sunday, is concerned about pro-Palestinian voices and Accusations against the federal government at the award ceremony continue for discussions. On Thursday, the supervisory board of the federal sponsoring company met for a special meeting on the future direction of the film festival. There was initially no concrete result. Discussions with Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle will also continue.

“Tuttle hit the right note”

The deputy government spokesman did not want to take part in speculation about the director’s professional future. He pointed out that Tuttle and the Berlinale jury had been to the Chancellery for a discussion with the Chancellor during the festival. The director convincingly presented her view of the controversy. “She also hit the right tone in a sensible speech at the end of the Berlinale and commented on the appropriation of art by politics.”said Hille. There was already a broad debate about this during the festival How the Berlinale deals with the Middle East conflict given.

At the celebratory gala for the awarding of the Berlinale Bears there was a scandal on Saturday evening. When the Syrian-Palestinian filmmaker Abdallah Alkhatib accused the federal government of complicity in a “genocide” in Gaza at the closing gala, Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) left the hall. Deputy government spokesman Hille once again strictly rejected Alkhatib’s accusation.

Director Tuttle said at the end of the gala that: the festival is not a place of silence. This is sometimes uncomfortable and is criticized, but it is important that it happens. The Berlinale defends the right of every person to raise their voice. We stand against all forms of discrimination, racism and dehumanization and create places and spaces for complexity.