BERLIN: The 74th Berlin International Film Festival, which will be kicked off on Thursday, is aiming to foster open dialogue on Israel’s war on Gaza strip, Western media reported on Wednesday.
Festival directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian, have said that they are concerned to see that antisemitism, anti-Muslim resentment and hate speech are increasing in Germany and around the globe.
This year has witnessed a variety of films and documentaries that support the desire for dialogue.
A documentary, produced by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, “No Other Land” is one the main features of the festival. It 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 Berlin film festival has also collaborated with social activists to launch the “Tiny Space” project, which features a small, set up near the red carpet where festivalgoers can talk about the Middle East crisis.
Despite such these initiatives, the festival faces criticism and boycotts from artists opposing Germany’s support of Israel.
Tomorrow, on Feb 15, the start of the 2024 Berlinale will be celebrated in the Berlinale Palast with the Opening Gala and numerous guests.
The event will be broadcast on ZDF/3sat from 7.30 pm and streamed live on our website and YouTube channel: https://t.co/RB2z41pKtJ pic.twitter.com/Tic9bP8DxG
— Berlinale (@berlinale) February 14, 2024
Meanwhile, the festival, which has long promoted Iranian directors, has pleaded with Tehran to allow directing duo Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha to participate in the event this year.
The Iranian directors, known for their critical eye on societal issues, are not allowed to leave Iran due to a travel ban imposed by Tehran, complicating their plans to showcase “My Favourite Cake.”
This film, competing for the Golden Bear, tells a woman’s quest to embrace her freedom in a restrictive entertainment.
