Berlinale proves political rows smolder longer at film festivals without Hollywood stars

The 76th Berlinale film festival faced a notable absence of Hollywood stars, which caused media attention to shift toward a persistent political controversy regarding the Gaza conflict. Tensions were heightened by jury president Wim Wenders’ remarks suggesting that film should remain separate from politics, leading to criticism over the festival's perceived silence compared to its past activism. Without the distraction of red-carpet glamour, the event became dominated by debates over the political responsibility of filmmakers and the festival's role in global issues.