Wim Wenders Advocates for Cinema's Role Amid Political Tensions at Berlinale 2026

The 76th Berlin International Film Festival, known for its politically charged atmosphere, commenced with German director Wim Wenders presiding over the jury. During the opening press conference, Wenders addressed the role of cinema in the context of global conflicts, particularly the ongoing war in Gaza. He emphasized that while films can influence societal perspectives, they should not engage directly in political discourse.

The Straits Times

Wenders articulated a clear stance: "Movies can change the world, not in a political way. No movie has really changed any politician’s idea, but you can change people’s idea of how they should live." He highlighted a significant disconnect between the aspirations of individuals and the actions of governments, stating, "There’s a big discrepancy on this planet between people who want to live their lives and governments who have other ideas." This sentiment reflects his belief that filmmakers should focus on fostering empathy rather than taking political positions.

The Guardian

The press conference quickly turned to inquiries about the festival's perceived silence on the Gaza conflict, especially given Germany's support for Israel. Polish producer Ewa Puszczynska, a jury member, described the question as "a bit unfair," asserting that while the jury aims to provoke thought among viewers, they cannot be held accountable for individual political decisions. She noted, "There are many other wars where genocide is committed, and we do not talk about that," underscoring the complexity of global conflicts.

The press conference faced technical difficulties during the discussion of Gaza, leading to accusations of censorship from some attendees. The Berlinale organizers later apologized, attributing the interruption to technical problems and promising to release the full recording online.

The Straits Times

Wenders praised the Berlinale for its diverse representation of global cinema, stating, "You can be sure you’ll see more facets of the world than in any other festival." This year’s competition features 22 films, with the festival opening with Shahrbanoo Sadat's "No Good Men," noted as Afghanistan's first romantic comedy.

In closing, Wenders reiterated the unique capacity of cinema to foster compassion and understanding, contrasting it with the often unemotional nature of news and politics. He stated, "The news is not empathetic. Politics is not empathetic, but movies are. And that’s our duty." The Berlinale continues until February 22, showcasing films that reflect the complexities of contemporary global issues.

The Guardian