Berlin film festival to foster ‘open dialogue’ around Israel’s war on Gaza

Lebanese filmmaker Michelle Keserwany and Lebanese musician Noel Keserwany pose with their medal for "Best Short Film" at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival Berlinale. (File/AFP)

• Program includes documentary produced by a Palestinian-Israeli collective

LONDON: The 74th Berlin International Film Festival, which opens on Thursday, says it is aiming to foster “open dialogue” surrounding Israel’s war on Gaza, the Independent reported on Wednesday.
Festival directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian, who have announced their departure following this festival, said that they were “concerned to see that antisemitism, anti-Muslim resentment and hate speech are spreading in Germany and around the world” when they introduced this year’s program.
This year has seen a plethora of films and documentaries that support the desire for dialogue, including the documentary “No Other Land.”
The documentary, produced by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, delves into the violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and portrays the unexpected bond between a Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist.
The Berlinale has also collaborated with social activists to launch the “Tiny Space” project, which features a small, intimate cabin set up for several days near the red carpet where festivalgoers can discuss and debate the Middle East crisis, the Independent reported.
Despite these initiatives, the festival faces criticism and boycotts from artists opposing Germany’s support of Israel, including Ghanaian director Ayo Tsalithaba and Indian American artist Suneil Sanzgiri.
Meanwhile, the festival, which has long supported Iranian directors, has pleaded with Tehran to allow directing duo Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha to participate this year.
The Iranian directors, known for their critical eye on societal issues, are barred from leaving Iran due to a travel ban imposed by Tehran, complicating their plans to showcase “My Favourite Cake.”
This film, competing for the Golden Bear, narrates a woman’s quest to embrace her freedom in a restrictive regime. Moghaddam and Sanaeeha’s plight underscores the festival's broader theme of artistic expression amidst political turmoil.