Political debates overshadow the Golden Bear award ceremony at the Berlin Film Festival

Berlin Film Festival, one of the three major film events in Europe, has just witnessed a heated political debate surrounding its annual awards ceremony. The conflict began with statements from the jury president, revealing a deep divide over the role of politics in cinema.

According to Ming Pao, German director Wim Wenders, who leads the jury, made a controversial statement that films should “maintain a distance from political issues.” However, this stance seems unrealistic as political topics continue to deeply infiltrate the festival’s program.

Wim Wenders and the “Political Detachment” Stance Sparks Debate

In a recent award announcement, Wenders once again defended his view, suggesting that creators and social activists can “work together and share responsibilities.” However, these remarks appear to conflict with the reality of the festival, where political issues have become an inseparable part.

The film “Golden Letter” wins top prize — the irony of politics

The most contentious point was when the Golder Bear — the festival’s highest award — was given to “Golden Letter,” a film with a powerful political message. The film tells the story of an artist oppressed for his words, struggling to navigate between opposing political stances and everyday challenges.

This choice creates a clear paradox: Wenders advises films to stay away from politics, yet his jury honors a film whose core is political activism and social resistance.

Finding a balance between art and politics

This event reflects an unresolved conflict in the modern film world. Berlin Film Festival, known for its strong political stance among top film festivals, inevitably faces debates over the meaning of art as a means of expressing political views.