Berlin film festival organisers to hold crisis talks amid Gaza rows

The Guardian - World NewsEN 4 min read 100% complete by Philip Oltermann and Deborah Cole in BerlinFebruary 25, 2026 at 06:40 PM

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The Berlin film festival is facing internal turmoil following controversy surrounding pro-Palestinian statements made at its recent closing gala. Germany's federal government commissioner for culture and media has called an emergency meeting for Thursday to discuss the "future direction of the Berlinale." The meeting comes amid reports that the festival's American director, Tricia Tuttle, may be dismissed due to the fallout from speeches that criticized Israel and accused Germany of complicity in genocide in Gaza. The state-owned company that runs the festival has dismissed the reports as fake news. The controversy highlights the tension between the festival's traditionally political stance and Germany's strong pro-Israel consensus, particularly within the culture sector.

Key Entities & Roles

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Bild 30% AFP 30% Carsten Schneider 40% Lebanon 40% Marie-Rose Osta 50% Abdallah al-Khatib ×260% Israel ×260% Tricia Tuttle 70% Berlinale 70% Gaza Strip ×480% Germany ×480% Berlin film festival ×290%

Keywords

berlin film festival 100% gaza 90% tricia tuttle 70% pro-palestinian 70% germany 60% controversy 60% political film festival 50% crisis talks 50% genocide 40%