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Cinema – Award-winning Indian author Arundhati Roy has announced that she will not attend the Berlin Film Festival this year, citing remarks made by jury president Wim Wenders about staying away from political discussions related to Gaza. The decision, shared in a statement on Friday, has sparked fresh debate about the intersection of art and politics at major cultural events.

Roy Cites Strong Objection to Jury President’s Remarks

Roy said she was deeply disturbed by comments made by Wenders during a press conference on Thursday. When asked about Germany’s position on Israel and the situation in Gaza, Wenders responded that the festival’s jury could not “enter the field of politics,” adding that filmmakers act as a “counterweight to politics.”

In her statement, Roy described herself as “shocked and disgusted” by the response. She expressed disappointment over what she characterized as an unwillingness to engage with pressing global issues. As a result, she said she would withdraw from the Berlinale, a decision she called difficult but necessary.

The Berlin Film Festival, commonly known as the Berlinale, is one of the world’s leading film events and frequently serves as a platform for international cultural dialogue. This year’s edition had announced Roy as a special guest.

Scheduled Appearance for Restored Film Screening

Roy had been invited to present a restored version of the 1989 film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, a project in which she both acted and wrote the screenplay. The film, which gained recognition for its unconventional storytelling, marked an early creative milestone in her career.

Her participation had been expected to draw attention to the restored screening, as well as to her broader contributions to literature and cinema. Roy rose to international prominence after winning the Booker Prize in 1997 for her novel The God of Small Things.

The withdrawal means that the festival will proceed without her presence at the scheduled event.

Broader Debate Over Art and Politics

In her statement, Roy argued that art cannot exist in isolation from the political realities shaping societies. She said that hearing prominent figures suggest that artistic spaces should remain separate from political discussions was “jaw-dropping.”

Roy has long been known for her outspoken views on global justice and human rights issues. In her latest remarks, she described Israel’s actions in Gaza as a genocide against the Palestinian people and called on artists and filmmakers to acknowledge what she sees as moral responsibility in times of conflict.

Her comments have added to ongoing conversations about whether international festivals should address geopolitical tensions directly or focus strictly on artistic achievement.

Festival Response and Ongoing Discussions

As of Friday, there was no detailed response from the Berlin Film Festival regarding Roy’s decision. The event has historically positioned itself as a forum for diverse voices and international exchange, often hosting films that engage with social and political themes.

Wenders’ remarks appear to reflect a view that juries should concentrate on evaluating cinematic merit rather than engaging in policy debates. However, critics argue that film festivals, by their global nature, inevitably intersect with contemporary political realities.

Roy’s absence underscores the challenges facing cultural institutions as conflicts around the world continue to influence public discourse. The situation highlights differing perspectives on the responsibilities of artists, filmmakers, and festival organizers in times of international crisis.

As the Berlinale moves forward, discussions about the role of cinema in addressing global events are likely to continue both inside and outside festival venues.