The Berlinale is again determined by political issues a year after the scandal about anti-Semitism allegations at the opening. As a kind of reparation, the new director Tricia Tuttle is reminiscent of the Israeli hostage David Cunio on the red carpet. Other celebrities also explained their solidarity with the Israeli actor, including Andrea Sawatzki and Ulrich Matthes.
The moderator of the opening gala, Désirée Nosbusch, recalled at the opening of the alleged attack in Munich, in which many people were seriously injured. “Although we are now so solemn here and celebrate the opening of the Berlinale, we of course also think of the people in Munich with a very heavy heart tonight.”
Tilda Swinton’s honor gave the opening gala a little glamor. But the Oscar winner also used her acceptance speech for a flaming political speech.
Solidarity for actors kidnapped by Hamas
Before the opening, Sawatzki, Matthes, Tuttle and others had held up a picture of Cunios on the carpet with the inscription “Bring David Cunio Home”. Cunio is one of the Israeli Hamas Geiseln in the Gaza Strip.
The actor was represented in 2013 with a film at the Berlinale. Last year the film festival was asked to stand up for him on the final gala – but this was missed, as Tuttle said in interviews. The American is heading the film festival for the first time this year.
She had announced that she apologized to Cunio and his family. This year a film will also be shown at the Berlinale: “Michtav Le’david. A Letter to David”.
At the 2024 award ceremony, it had been criticized up to allegations from Israel hatred and anti -Semitism. Individual award winners had massively criticized Israel’s procedure without mentioning the terrorist attack of the Islamist Hamas from October 2023.
Near the Berlinale Palace, several people reminded of Cunio and other hostages in a vigil. A few demonstrators called on the edge of the Berlinale Palace at Potsdamer Platz during a protest, but also “Free Palestine”. To do this, they kept a banner with the inscription “State Räson is genocide”.
Tilda Swinton speaks of “mass murder”
Weltstar Swinton became clear in her acceptance speech during the gala, but avoided criticizing a certain government directly. “The mass murder committed by the state and enabled mass murder is currently being active more than part of our world,” she said. “Convised by the bodies that people were specially launched to monitor things on earth that are unacceptable for the human community.”
“The inhuman is committed under our supervision,” she explained. “I am here to name it, without hesitation or doubt. And to give my unshakable solidarity to all those who recognize the unacceptable complacency of our greedy governments who love themselves with planetary distortions and war criminals. No matter where they come from. “
Luisa Neubauer with protest dress against Merz
Some celebrities also used the red carpet for political protest. Climate activist Luisa Neubauer announced with a provocative dress against Union Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz. On her dress it was read in front: “Donald & Alice & Elon & Friedrich?” On the back it said: “Democracy this in Daylight!” (“Democracy dies in daylight!”).
The actresses Meret Becker and Anna Thalbach held up a scarf with the inscription “Humanity for All” for civil sea rescue. At the opening, numerous German stars such as Matthias Schweighöfer, Herbert Grönemeyer and Heike Makatsch – and had to assert themselves against snow and icy temperatures.
Opening with Tykwer film – transferred to seven German cities
Following the opening gala, the Berlinale was opened with the film “Das Licht” by the German director Tom Tykwer. Lars Eidinger and Nicolette Krebitz can be seen in the main roles around the history of a torn Berlin family, whose life is changed by a Syrian housekeeper. Tykwer (“Lola runs”) takes up current topics of today, such as climate protection and generation conflicts.
The opening gala and the film were broadcast live in cinemas in seven German cities – including Düsseldorf, Leipzig and Munich. The Berlinale ends on February 23 – on the day of the Bundestag election.
