Turkish-language drama "Yellow Letters" wins Berlin Film Festival's top prize
France 24 Europe
by FRANCE 24February 21, 2026
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The Berlin Film Festival crowned *Yellow Letters*, a Turkish-German political drama directed by Ilker Catak, with the Golden Bear for Best Film. The movie explores the impact of political pressure on a marriage when a Turkish director and his actor wife are suddenly barred from working due to their political views. Jury president Wim Wenders praised the film as a "terrifying premonition" that highlights the clash between totalitarianism and the empathetic power of cinema. Catak expressed gratitude for the recognition, calling Wenders one of his mentors.
The festival also saw *Salvation* by Emin Alper win the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize. Alper used his platform to voice support for jailed Turkish opposition figures, including Istanbul's mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, and to advocate for Palestinian rights in Gaza. Meanwhile, Indian novelist Arundhati Roy withdrew from the event in protest after Wenders initially downplayed political involvement at the festival. This sparked a backlash, with prominent industry figures signing an open letter condemning the festival's perceived silence on Palestinian suffering.
The controversy over political representation at the Berlinale highlighted its role as a platform for challenging censorship and addressing global conflicts. Tricia Tuttle, the festival’s director, emphasized that speaking out is "part of democracy," even while acknowledging disagreements with critics. The event also celebrated artistic achievement, with Sandra Hueller earning a Silver Bear for her performance in *Rose* and Lance Hammer's *Queen at Sea* receiving multiple awards for its portrayal of Alzheimer's impact on families.
The festival’s 75th edition underscored the tension between art and politics, with films like *Yellow Letters* using storytelling to critique authoritarianism and inspire dialogue. As global conflicts and censorship issues remain central to cultural discourse, the Berlinale continues to serve as a vital space for addressing these challenges through film.
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Originally published on France 24 Europe on 2/21/2026