Feb 14, 2026
3 min read
The Berlin Film Festival got off to a political start on Thursday as the competition jury headed by Wim Wenders asked several questions about Gaza.
The Berlin Film Festival turned political on Thursday when the competition jury led by Wim Wenders asked several questions about the current world situation, including the war in Gaza.
When asked if film can effect change in the political arena, the renowned German director said that "film can change the world" but "not in a political way."
"No movie has changed the mind of any politician," he said. But we can change the way people think about their lifestyles.“There is a big difference on this planet between people who want to live their lives and governments with different ideas.So I think the movies take that difference into account."
Wenders is the president of this year's jury, which includes American director Reinaldo Marcus Green ("King Richard"), Japanese filmmaker Hikari ("Rental Family"), "The Zone of Interest" producer Ewa Puszczyńska, Nepali director Min Bahadur Bham ("Shambala"), South Korean actor Bae Dungaroid Sellh and Indian director Bahul, Bahul Dungaroid Sellh.
popularity and
The jury was then asked specifically about the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the support the German government, which funds much of the festival, provides to Israel.
Puszczyńska was the first to respond, saying that she thought the question was "not fair".
"Of course, we try to tell people - every viewer - what they think, but we are not responsible for whether they decide to support Israel or support Palestine," he said.Are we talking to governments or not."
As filmmaker Wenders added, "We have to stay away from politics, because when we make political films, we enter the realm of politics. But we are the balance of politics, we are the opposite of politics. We have to do the work of people, not the work of politicians."
The live broadcast of the press conference experienced technical difficulties during this question, with some questioning whether the feed was cut on purpose.But the Berlinale later said in a statement: "We experienced technical difficulties with the webcast of the press conference with the international jury this morning. We sincerely apologize. The full recording of the press conference will be available on the Berlinale website and on YouTube as soon as possible."
Elsewhere during the press conference, Wenders, who is no stranger to the Berlinale in 2015 after receiving the Golden Bear honor, talked about what makes the festival stand out from the rest. "You can be sure that you will see more aspects of the world than at any other festival," he said."That's his great strength, you know?"
The 76th Berlin Film Festival will open on Thursday evening with the premiere of Shahrbonnu Sodot's film "Good People" and run until February 22.
