Award-winning Indian writer Arundhati Roy has made waves by withdrawing from the Berlin Film Festival, expressing “shock and disgust” over comments made by jury president Wim Wenders. The controversy erupted when Wenders, asked about the situation in Gaza, stated that cinema should “stay out of politics” and serve as a “counterweight to politics.”
Roy, renowned for her Booker Prize-winning novel “The God of Small Things,” was slated to present a restored version of her 1989 film. However, she found Wenders’s and other jury members’ statements “unconscionable.” A fierce critic of India’s government and a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause, Roy passionately argued that “to hear them say that art should not be political is jaw-dropping.” She explicitly called the actions in Gaza “a genocide of the Palestinian people” and urged filmmakers to speak out, warning that “history will judge them” if they remain silent.
Roy’s powerful stance wasn’t an isolated incident. Restored films by Egyptian directors Atteyat Al-Abnoudy and Hussein Shariffe were also withdrawn from the festival, signaling growing unease over its perceived neutrality.
The Berlinale, traditionally known for its progressive programming, has seen a surprising reluctance from other stars to engage politically this year. US actor Neil Patrick Harris expressed interest in “apolitical” art, while Honorary Golden Bear recipient Michelle Yeoh declined to comment on US politics. This trend raises questions about the role of art and artists in addressing global issues, especially as the festival itself faced criticism in 2024 for “one-sided” remarks by directors about Gaza. Roy’s withdrawal serves as a potent reminder that for many, art and politics are inextricably linked.
Source: https://kuwaittimes.com/article/39834/world/roy-pulls-out-of-berlin-film-festival-over-gaza-row/
