Berlin International Film Festival is facing a wave of withdrawals as filmmakers and artists protest the event’s response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The festival, a major event on the global film calendar, is grappling with growing criticism over what some see as a reluctance to address the humanitarian crisis.
Award-winning Indian author Arundhati Roy is among those who have pulled out of the festival. Roy announced her decision on Friday, February 13, 2026, following comments made by festival jury president Wim Wenders about keeping cinema “away from politics,” as reported by DW. Roy, known for her outspoken views and support for the Palestinian cause, stated that Wenders’ position was unacceptable.
“Hearing them say that art shouldn’t be political is astonishing,” Roy said, according to Alaraby. She described the refusal to comment on the situation in Gaza as “unreasonable.”
Roy, who won the Booker Prize in 1997 for her novel “The God of Minor Things,” is a vocal critic of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Her withdrawal underscores the increasing pressure on cultural institutions to take a stand on geopolitical issues.
In addition to Roy, two restored films have also been withdrawn from the festival: “Song of the Sad Weaver” by the late Egyptian director Atiyat El Abnoudi and “Extraction of Amber” by the late Sudanese director Hussein Sharif, according to Alaraby.
The festival’s handling of the situation has sparked debate about the role of art and artists in addressing global conflicts. Wenders made his comments during a press conference in response to a question about Germany’s stance on the events in Gaza. The 76th Berlin International Film Festival opened on Thursday, February 12, 2026, and features over 200 films, with 22 competing for the Golden Bear award.
Roy’s decision to boycott the festival is a significant statement, reflecting a growing trend of artists using their platforms to raise awareness and demand accountability. The author previously rejected the Sahitya Akademi Award in protest against Indian government policies, Alaraby reported. The withdrawals add to a growing list of controversies surrounding major cultural events and their response to current global events.
