Culture is failing as a platform for serious dialogue

The objective of the Berlinale tour was to bring attention to “everyone’s suffering” at the film festival, a goal that, unfortunately, was not achieved. Following the award ceremony, it became evident that the intention had been missed.

It was once again evident at the closing gala that the cultural sector struggles to understand or empathize with the perspective of Israel and the suffering of Israelis. This lack of solidarity with Israel was noticeable after the brutal attack by Hamas and was again highlighted after the poorly handled Documenta. The one-sided nature of the Berlinale suggests that the cultural sector has a significant issue with Israel, demonstrating a lack of nuance in their approach.

The documentary “No Other Land” was recognized at the awards ceremony. The film, supported by a €40,000 grant from RBB, deals with the West Bank. However, the film was used by the jury, audience, and protagonists as a platform to criticize Israel about the situation in Gaza.

A jury member, during the award presentation, attached a note to his back directed at the filmmakers of “No Other Land”, calling for a ceasefire. Basel Adra, one of the filmmakers, used his acceptance speech to state that “tens of thousands of my people are being killed in Gaza.” Meanwhile, his Israeli colleague Yuval Abraham spoke of occupation and apartheid, both statements being met with loud applause.

Later in the event, Ben Russel and his team appeared, with Russel and a companion donning Palestine scarves. Russel, without any contradiction, spoke of the genocide that he believed Israel was committing, and also called for a ceasefire.

The festival’s managing director, Mariette Rissenbeek, briefly mentioned the Israeli hostages that should be released, followed by a more extended discussion about what Israel must now do to achieve peace, which was met with applause.

While there is nothing wrong with calling for a ceasefire, the majority of the comments made on stage and throughout the festival were primarily directed against Israel. Only occasional criticism of Hamas was heard.

There were noticeable absences on the stage, such as yarmulke wearers. There was no clear criticism of the terrorist organization Hamas, which had brutally attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. There was no clear call for the release of the remaining hostages. There was no confrontation with the fact that Hamas oppresses its own Palestinian people – no elections, no justice. Where was the critique of the millions of dollars directed towards underground tunnels instead of towards Palestinian prosperity?

All these issues were not mentioned. Instead, there was warm applause for a one-sided pro-Palestine performance on the grand Berlinale stage in Berlin.

The Berlinale considers itself a political film festival. However, it is not genuinely political; instead, it is embarrassing, shameful, disturbing, and propagandistic. The cultural sector needs to critically examine its role – should it be part of an activist movement or a serious place for dialogue? If it chooses the latter, which would be preferable, the cultural scene has a substantial journey ahead.