Arundhati Roy boycotts Berlin fest premiere of her revamped 1980s cult classic – the film shows why
France 24
by Leela JACINTOFebruary 13, 2026
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Arundhati Roy, renowned Indian writer and activist, has withdrawn from the Berlin Film Festival in protest over the festival’s jury president’s remarks regarding the conflict in Gaza. Roy was scheduled to attend the world premiere of a restored version of her 1989 cult classic film *In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones*, which she wrote and starred in. The decision highlights her unwavering stance on human rights issues, aligning with her long history of activism.
The film, directed by Pradip Krishen, a longtime partner of Roy, originally premiered on TV in 1989 and won two National Film Awards but had no cinema screenings. Over time, it became a cult favorite, especially among cinephiles, despite its low-budget, grainy quality. The restored version, making its world premiere at the Berlinale Classics section, brings this forgotten gem back to the spotlight. The film, based on Roy’s student days at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi, showcases her early creativity, sharpness, and courage.
Roy’s withdrawal from the festival comes in response to jury president Wim Wenders’ statement that the jury would avoid political involvement regarding the Gaza conflict. Roy criticized this stance, calling the situation in Gaza a genocide supported by countries like the U.S. and Germany. She emphasized the importance of artists and filmmakers speaking out against such injustices, warning that history will judge those who remain silent.
This decision underscores Roy’s legacy as both a literary giant and an outspoken activist. Her ability to merge art with political commentary has long set her apart, as seen in *In Which Annie Gives It Those
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/13/2026