As the Berlinale prepares to kick off its 75th edition on Thursday, the festival has clarified its position on freedom of expression, including when it comes to showing solidarity with Palestine.
In a FAQ post on dialogue and exchange published on Tuesday, organizers addressed several expression-related topics that are sure to be hot-button as the festival takes place in the lead-up to Germany’s crucial general elections on Feb. 23.
“All of our guests have a right to free speech within the bounds of the law. We also stand by the right of our filmmakers to talk about the impulses behind their work and their experiences of the world,” the festival said. “The Berlinale welcomes different points of view, even if this creates tension or controversy. At the same time, we aim to create an environment in which we can listen and learn from each other, and we ask for respectful dialogue and a certain cultural sensitivity. We also ask guests to understand that when they speak out as is protected under free speech, people may disagree. This is also free speech.”
The Q&A also attempted to answer questions festivalgoers may have lingering from last year’s closing ceremony, which saw several filmmakers make political statements regarding the conflict in Gaza that resulted in criticism calling it one-sided and, in some cases, antisemitic.
“There are many different viewpoints on last year’s awards ceremony within Germany, and we do not collapse these into a singular perspective,” the Berlinale wrote in response to a question about the closing ceremony. “As the new management, we have taken a review of this very seriously and have consulted widely. We understand that many people were troubled by a perceived one-sidedness, rather than individual statements made by filmmakers. Ultimately, creating balance across the festival and making space for different perspectives is the responsibility of the Berlinale rather than individual films or filmmakers. Also in preparation of the new festival, we have worked on our moderators training and our frameworks for creating environments for respectful and safe exchange.”
Regarding German parliament’s passing of an antisemitism resolution last year — which includes questioning Israel’s right to exist and calling for a boycott of Israel in its definition of antisemitism — Berlinale organizers said it would not have an impact on how the festival is run as it is not a “legally-binding document.” However, it added that the resolution “contains valid aspects with regard to the warning of growing antisemitism in Germany and internationally. We share the opinion along with other people in Germany, that, if legally enforced, other aspects of the resolution would interfere with the fundamental rights of free art and speech. We also disagree with the sweeping categorization of the Berlinale 2024 in the resolution as ‘antisemitic.’ The Berlinale has no tolerance for antisemitism.”
Due to the backlash regarding pro-Palestine statements last year, rumors had circulated that the wearing of symbols showing solidarity would be prohibited. But organizers made clear this is not the case, writing: “In the autumn of 2024, an ambiguity in the general house rules of our umbrella organisation, the KBB, became known to us when it was shared on social media. We support the interest of our guests and filmmakers in receiving precise information and we immediately requested a clarifying change which was implemented. The paragraph in question referred solely to a standard German legal provision regarding the wearing and use of prohibited symbols and signs that are demonstrably punishable by law, such as the swastika. Wearing or displaying other signs and symbols of national or political expression or solidarity (e.g. a watermelon pin, a Keffiyeh, etc.) is not forbidden and is fully covered by freedom of expression laws.”
And though the Berlinale said the event is protected by Germany’s far-reaching freedom of speech laws and most dialogue surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict would be protected, they warned festivalgoers to use “particular care” with the phrase “from the river to the sea” as “there have been cases where it has been prosecuted” in Berlin.
“As a festival team we feel great empathy for people who feel excluded by language and it is our sincere hope to create spaces where everyone feels they can join in the dialogue,” the organizers concluded.
