Explained : Arundhati Roy Withdraws From Berlin Film Festival Over Jury’s ‘Stay Out Of Politics’ Remarks | India News and Its Impact

When asked about Germany’s support for Israel, Wenders said cinema should not enter the political arena and described filmmakers as a “counterweight to politics”.

Roy Says Remarks Were ‘Shocking’

In a statement, Roy said she felt “shocked and disgusted” by the replies from the jury. She added that hearing artists say cinema should remain outside politics was “jaw-dropping”.

Calling the remarks “unconscionable”, she said such positions made her reconsider attending the event. Roy also described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide and said history would judge artists who refused to speak openly.

Festival Reaction

Organisers said they respected her decision, while expressing regret that her presence would not be part of the discussions at the event.

Two restored films by late Egyptian filmmakers — Sad Song of Touha by Atteyat Al Abnoudy and The Dislocation of Amber by Hussein Shariffe — were also withdrawn over the festival’s stance.

Continuing Controversy

The Berlin Film Festival has long presented programmes linked to contemporary social issues, but this year’s edition has seen tensions over the Gaza war. Similar disputes emerged in 2024 when award-winning documentary No Other Land sparked criticism from German officials for remarks made during the ceremony.

The conflict itself began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed more than 1,200 people, followed by Israel’s military response in Gaza that has led to tens of thousands of deaths, according to official figures.