Berlinale 2026: Cinema Has Always Been Political

A tense Berlinale 2026 underscored the idea that film festivals are inherently political. After jury president Wim Wenders claimed cinema’s ‘counterweight’ to politics, the festival faced government scrutiny, open letters, and high-profile protests, culminating in politically charged winners like İlker Çatak’s Yellow Letters and Emin Alper’s Salvation. The closing ceremonies included Palestinian and Gaza-related remarks, highlighting Berlin’s history as a politically engaged festival hub and illustrating the ongoing tension between funders, state policy, and artists. The piece argues that politics and cinema are inseparably intertwined, and that festivals must navigate official power while still providing space for politically engaged work.