Berlinale Winner Voices Support for Palestinian Cause During Acceptance Speech
Political Message at Award Ceremony
Syrian-Palestinian filmmaker Abdallah Al-Khatib used his acceptance speech at the Berlin International Film Festival, widely known as the Berlinale, to express support for the Palestinian liberation struggle.
After his film Chronicles From the Siege won the Best First Feature award, Al-Khatib addressed the audience in Berlin with a strong political message. The film portrays the daily lives of people trying to survive under occupation.
During his speech, he said that Palestinians would remember those who supported them and those who remained silent. He also called for a “Free Palestine from now until the end of the world.”
Criticism of German Government
In addition, Al-Khatib accused the German government of acting as “a partner in the genocide in Gaza by Israel.” While speaking, he brought a Palestinian flag onto the stage.
Moreover, he expressed hope that one day Gaza would host a major film festival dedicated to oppressed people worldwide.
Other Voices Join the Debate
Earlier in the ceremony, Lebanese filmmaker Marie-Rose Osta, who won the Golden Bear for Best Short Film, also criticized Israel’s military actions.
In her remarks, Osta said that children in Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon lack protection from Israeli airstrikes. She argued that no child should need “superpowers” to survive what she described as genocide. Furthermore, she claimed that Israel had violated the ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon.
Osta emphasized that the lives of children in the region are “not negotiable.”
Open Letter From Film Industry Figures
Meanwhile, criticism of the festival extended beyond the stage. On Wednesday, dozens of actors and directors, including Javier Bardem and Tilda Swinton, accused the Berlinale of “anti-Palestinian racism.” They urged organizers to clearly state their opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
In an open letter published by Variety, 81 film professionals criticized what they described as the festival’s role in censoring artists who oppose Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The signatories also objected to comments made by jury president Wim Wenders. At a recent press conference in Berlin, when asked about Gaza, Wenders said that the festival should “stay out of politics.”
Ongoing Debate
As a result, the controversy has intensified discussions about the role of political expression at international cultural events. While some artists argue that silence equals complicity, others believe film festivals should remain neutral platforms focused on cinema.
The debate continues as global attention remains fixed on developments in Gaza and the broader region.
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