Berlin Greens Demand Clarity on Berlinale Funding
The Green Party faction in Berlin is urging Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) to make a clear statement on the Berlinale Film Festival and its future funding. "When he receives the Berlinale jury tomorrow, he must show his true colors: Does he support the Berlinale in Berlin or not? The Berlinale deserves clarity," said Green faction leader Werner Graf to the German Press Agency. "Does the CDU want to cut off funding or not? Otherwise, the meeting would be pure hypocrisy."
Berlin’s CDU faction leader Dirk Stettner had previously criticized the Berlinale in the newspaper "B.Z." and demanded consequences. "I don’t need the self-glorification of semi- or full-anti-Semites with applause from the audience under the guise of artistic and freedom of expression in Berlin, and they shouldn’t receive a single cent of Berlin’s money," he said.
He also announced that he would not attend the closing event in protest, despite being invited. "I will not participate in this pseudo-political event, which could actually be a film festival."
On Tuesday, Wegner demanded that anti-Semitism and hostility towards Israel have no place at the Berlinale. He said it was intolerable that anti-Semitic incidents had occurred again at the film festival.
The background includes a speech by Hong Kong director Jun Li, who read a speech by actor Erfan Shekarriz at a premiere on Saturday evening and recited the anti-Semitic, pro-Palestinian slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" on stage.
The police state protection unit of the State Criminal Police Office, which is responsible for political crimes, launched an investigation. The speech also stated that millions of Palestinians were suffocating under Israel’s brutal settler-colonial state.
Previously, world star Tilda Swinton had expressed her support for the BDS campaign, which advocates for the boycott of Israeli goods, at a press conference. Swinton said she was "a big admirer." Even before the start of the Berlinale, BDS had called for a boycott of the festival.
CDU’s Criticism and Call for Consequences
The CDU’s criticism and call for consequences stem from concerns about anti-Semitism and hostility towards Israel at the Berlinale. Stettner’s comments specifically targeted the speech by Jun Li and Tilda Swinton’s support for BDS.
The CDU faction’s decision to not attend the closing event is a symbolic gesture of protest against what they perceive as the festival’s tolerance of anti-Semitism.
Greens’ Defense of Berlinale
In response to the CDU’s criticism, the Green Party has defended the Berlinale and its importance to the city. They argue that the festival is a major cultural event that attracts international attention and economic benefits.
The Greens also emphasize the importance of artistic freedom and expression, which they believe should be protected at the Berlinale.
Berlinale Organizers Respond
Berlinale organizers have expressed regret over the anti-Semitic incidents that occurred during the festival but have also defended the event’s commitment to artistic freedom.
The festival has implemented measures to prevent future incidents, including strengthening security and providing training for staff and volunteers on how to identify and respond to anti-Semitism.
Ongoing Debate on Anti-Semitism and Artistic Freedom
The Berlinale controversy has highlighted the ongoing debate on the balance between artistic freedom and the need to combat anti-Semitism.
While many believe that artistic freedom should be protected, others argue that it should not extend to hate speech and incitement to violence.
The Berlinale’s commitment to artistic freedom while also condemning anti-Semitism has put the festival at the center of this complex and sensitive debate.
