Berlinale's Tricia Tuttle faces backlash amid Germany's culture wars
The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) has found new energy under Tricia Tuttle's leadership. Her second edition, running from February 12–22, 2026, opened with No Good Men by Shahrbanoo Sadat and showcased around 400 films. Yet, behind the scenes, a heated debate over her potential dismissal has exposed deeper tensions around antisemitism in German culture.
Tuttle took charge of the Berlinale at a time when the festival needed modernization. She kept its reputation as a politically engaged A-list event, selling roughly 300,000 tickets. Films like Queen at Sea and Austrian entry The Loneliest Man in Town highlighted her curatorial direction. When questioned about political issues, however, she stayed vague, stressing the emotional impact of cinema over structural or artistic reforms.
The controversy around her position escalated when Wolfram Weimer, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, faced criticism for his handling of antisemitism. Critics argue his approach relies on symbolic gestures and blame-shifting after scandals emerge. The Minister of State for Culture has also been accused of avoiding responsibility, leaving cultural institutions without clear guidance.
The debate has unsettled the film industry, with many warning that without concrete action, further antisemitism scandals are inevitable. Experts insist that while political statements belong in art, demonizing Israel must be challenged. They also stress that Germany's historical responsibility demands more than empty symbolism—especially when addressing the safety and rights of Jewish people.
Calls for nuanced discussions remain, but clarity on protecting Jewish communities is non-negotiable. The government's lack of a coherent strategy has only deepened concerns.
The Berlinale continues under Tuttle's leadership, yet the fallout from her near-dismissal has left lasting unease. Without stronger measures from cultural and political leaders, the risk of repeated antisemitism controversies persists. The film industry now watches closely to see if actions will follow the rhetoric.
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