The 75th edition of the Berlinale festival is set to kick off with a statement from its organizers regarding freedom of expression, including solidarity with Palestine. In a FAQ post published this week, the festival addressed several hot-button topics ahead of Germany’s general elections on February 23.
According to the festival, all guests have the right to free speech within the bounds of the law, as well as the right to discuss their work and experiences without fear of reprisal. The Berlinale welcomes diverse perspectives and encourages respectful dialogue, even if it leads to controversy.
The organizers also clarified that they will not be enforcing a ban on wearing symbols showing solidarity with Palestine, despite previous rumors suggesting this was a possibility. Instead, they note that freedom of expression laws in Germany protect the right to display such symbols, as long as they are not demonstrably punishable by law.
However, festivalgoers are advised to exercise caution when using certain phrases, such as “from the river to the sea,” which has been used by politicians to advocate for a single state in the region. The Berlinale hopes to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and included in the dialogue.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/festivals/berlinale-freedom-of-expression-palestine-solidarity-1236303526