Gaza War Casts Heavy Shadow Over Berlin Film Festival; Political Dispute Erupts at Berlinale

DID Press: Ongoing war in Gaza has cast a shadow over this year’s Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), sparking not only screenings of films addressing the Israel–Palestine conflict but also a wave of political reactions and controversy on the sidelines of the cultural event.

The tensions began on the festival’s opening days after comments by Wim Wenders, president of the jury. In response to a question about Germany’s support for Israel, he stated: “We really cannot enter into the realm of politics.” His remarks drew criticism from prominent figures including Arundhati Roy, Javier Bardem, and Tilda Swinton.

Subsequently, more than 80 directors, actors, and producers — including Swinton and Bardem — signed an open letter accusing the festival of “censoring artists critical of Israel” and calling for condemnation of the killing of civilians in Gaza.

In response, festival director Tricia Tuttle defended Wenders and rejected allegations of censorship.

Among the films screened, the documentary Who Killed Alex Odeh?, directed by Jason Osder and William Youmans, explores the historical and global repercussions of the conflict. The film examines the killing of Alex Odeh, a Palestinian-American activist and West Coast regional director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, who was killed in a 1985 bombing at the organization’s office in Santa Ana, California.

Archival footage in the documentary includes testimony from a former deputy director of the FBI, who stated that “members of an extremist Jewish element” were likely responsible for the attack. However, no one has ever been convicted in connection with the bombing.

The documentary also addresses suspicions surrounding members of the Jewish Defense League, a group founded by extremist rabbi Meir Kahane. Kahane was assassinated in 1990, but according to Youmans, his ideology has gained increased influence in Israel in recent years.

In this context, the name of Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s current National Security Minister, is also mentioned. He previously supported the banned Kach party and is known for his hardline anti-Arab positions.

Youmans said that despite the tense atmosphere in Berlin, telling Alex Odeh’s story is “essential,” and that not screening the film would be “self-defeating.” He also noted that part of the German public appears increasingly willing to question unconditional support for Israel and express solidarity with Palestinians.

This year’s Berlinale is taking place amid heightened political tensions surrounding the Gaza war, which have influenced not only the content of some films but also the broader cultural and political discourse surrounding the international festival.