German, European Filmmakers Back Berlinale Boss

Hollywood Reporter

by Scott Roxborough

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) director Tricia Tuttle is facing a potential firing following media reports linked to political backlash over pro-Palestinian statements made by filmmakers at the festival's gala. German and European film academies have rallied behind her, emphasizing that the festival should remain a neutral cultural platform for diverse voices rather than a tool for political agendas. The controversy erupted after several filmmakers criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza during award presentations, prompting conservative media like the German tabloid *Bild* to accuse Tuttle of allowing the festival to be exploited for propaganda. The backlash intensified when *Bild* published a column by right-wing journalist Gunnar Schupelius, who attacked Tuttle over a photo showing her with Palestinian filmmaker Abdallah Al-Khatib and his crew. Schupelius condemned the presence of Palestinian flags and traditional keffiyeh headscarves at the event, calling them symbols of anti-Israeli agitation. This followed a report by *Bild* suggesting that the German culture ministry was considering Tuttle’s removal, just two years into her five-year mandate. In response, the German Film Academy and other prominent film organizations issued a joint statement defending Tuttle. The letter highlighted the festival's role as a democratic cultural space that fosters dialogue and plurality of perspectives. Notable signatories included renowned directors like Wim Wenders, Volker Schlöndorff, and Ilker Çatak, as well as international filmmakers such as Kleber Mendonça Filho and Oren Moverman. The European Film Academy and other industry groups also expressed strong support for Tuttle, praising her leadership in strengthening the Berlinale's

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/25/2026