Berlinale Day Two: Gaza enters the screens – “Golden Bear” in crisis

Publication date: 2026-02-15

 

On the second day of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, Jury President Wim Wenders sparked controversy by urging filmmakers to “stay out of politics,” arguing that cinema should serve as a “counterweight” rather than a partner to politics.

  • The statement fueled debate, especially with films addressing pressing issues such as Gaza.

  • Discussions at Potsdamer Platz highlighted the tension between art and politics.

  • The Golden Bear, the festival’s top prize, now faces an identity crisis: purely artistic recognition or political platform.

Sources – Agencies

 

 
On the second day of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, Jury President Wim Wenders sparked controversy by urging filmmakers to “stay out of politics,” arguing that cinema should serve as a “counterweight” rather than a partner to politics.


The statement fueled debate, especially with films addressing pressing issues such as Gaza.


Discussions at Potsdamer Platz highlighted the tension between art and politics.


The Golden Bear, the festival&...

More news

Absolutely amazing dolor sit amet beyond compare