The Berlin Film Festival began with political discussions on Thursday, as the jury, led by director Wim Wenders, addressed current global issues, including the war in Gaza. Wenders stated that while “movies can change the world,” this change is not necessarily political. He emphasized that no film has altered a politician’s beliefs, but films can influence how people view their own lives.
Wenders leads a jury that includes American director Reinaldo Marcus Green, Japanese filmmaker Hikari, and producer Ewa Puszczy?ska, among others. During the press conference, the jury faced specific questions regarding the German government’s support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Puszczy?ska described the question as “a bit unfair,” arguing that they cannot be held responsible for viewers’ political decisions.
Wenders also remarked that filmmakers should remain separate from politics, explaining that creating overtly political films pushes them into the political sphere. “We are the counterweight of politics,” he stated, underscoring the role of filmmakers to reflect people’s experiences rather than political agendas.
Technical difficulties disrupted the livestream of the press conference, leading some to speculate about the feed being cut intentionally. The Berlinale later clarified that the issues were not deliberate and promised to share the full recording online.
Wenders, who received an honorary Golden Bear in 2015, highlighted the festival’s unique ability to showcase diverse perspectives. The 76th edition of the Berlin Film Festival began on Thursday night with the premiere of “No Good Men” and will continue until February 22.
Vocabulary List:
- emphasized /ˈɛmfəˌsaɪzd/ (verb): To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
- influence /ˈɪnfluəns/ (verb): To have an effect on the character development or behavior of someone or something.
- political /pəˈlɪtɪkəl/ (adjective): Relating to the government or public affairs of a country.
- perspectives /pərˈspɛktɪvz/ (noun): A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
- disrupted /dɪsˈrʌptɪd/ (verb): To interrupt or interfere with the normal progress or activity of something.
- speculate /ˈspɛkjʊleɪt/ (verb): To form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence.
