Berlinale as a Stage for "Glamour and Glitter" and Political Dialogue, Says Berlin’s Governing Mayor
Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner views the Berlinale not only as a venue for "glamour and glitter," but also as a space for political dialogue. "The Berlinale was, is, and will always remain a public festival, but also a political festival," said the CDU politician at a session of the Berlin House of Representatives to mark the start of the film festival.
"And this is a space, an event, for dialogue as well. That dialogue must be conducted," Wegner continued. "However, at a Berlinale, there should not be one-sided remarks that go unchallenged, as was the case last year. That is my expectation." The 2024 Berlinale closing gala had sparked criticism and accusations of anti-semitism.
"I know that preventive work has been done with many people in the run-up to the event, and that many discussions have been held," Wegner said about this year’s film festival, which is being directed for the first time by the American Tricia Tuttle. "And I am very confident that we will have a great Berlinale, a public festival with great films and great stars. And a Berlinale where politics are not neglected, but where last year’s one-sidedness will not be repeated."
Wegner emphasized the importance of the Berlinale as a forum for open and critical debate, while also stressing the need for balance and respect for opposing viewpoints. "The Berlinale is a stage for different perspectives. That is what makes it so unique. But we must always bear in mind that we are in a country where freedom of expression has its limits," he said.
The Governing Mayor also praised the Berlinale’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, noting that "it is a matter of course that we value diversity and give a voice to those who are often marginalized." He added that he was "confident that the Berlinale will once again be a successful event, both in terms of its artistic program and its socio-political impact."
The Berlinale, which runs from February 16 to 26, is one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. It showcases a diverse range of films from all over the world, including feature-length films, documentaries, and short films. The festival also features a number of awards, including the Golden Bear for Best Film.
In addition to its artistic program, the Berlinale also hosts a number of events and initiatives that focus on political and social issues. These include the Berlinale Forum, which presents films that explore political and social themes, and the Berlinale Co-Production Market, which provides a platform for filmmakers from different countries to meet and collaborate.
The Berlinale is also known for its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. The festival has a number of initiatives in place to support filmmakers from marginalized communities, and it has established a number of awards that recognize films that address issues of diversity and inclusion.
