All articles tagged with #wim wenders
Wim Wenders, addressing Berlinale's closing ceremony after a controversial opening remark about staying out of politics, urged filmmakers and activists to collaborate rather than clash, describing cinema as an empathetic language and calling for a shared 'anschauung' to address injustices while Berlin crowned its winners.
At Berlinale’s awards ceremony, Wim Wenders responded to the festival-wide politics controversy by arguing cinema is a distinct, empathetic language that can complement activism and the internet rather than clash with it, urging filmmakers and activists to collaborate. The ceremony highlighted politically charged films, including Chronicles From a Siege, Yellow Letters, and Salvation, while Wenders emphasized cinema’s enduring power beyond the internet’s short attention span.
Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle defended the festival’s jury’s right to discuss politics after they declined to condemn Israel’s Gaza actions as genocide, following Wim Wenders’ call for filmmakers to stay out of politics. The opening controversy drew backlash, including Arundhati Roy withdrawing a film; Tuttle emphasized that free speech exists at Berlinale and that artists shouldn’t be forced to boil complex issues down to sound bites.
At the 2026 Berlin Film Festival, controversy erupted after jury president Wim Wenders said movies can’t be political, prompting Arundhati Roy to withdraw and eliciting comments from stars like Neil Patrick Harris, Michelle Yeoh, Rupert Grint, and Tom Morello about the politicization of art and cinema’s role in addressing current events.
The Berlin film festival defended its filmmakers and jury after Wim Wenders’ comments that art isn’t inherently political drew criticism and led Arundhati Roy to withdraw; organizers argued artists should not be required to comment on every political issue and stressed the importance of context and artistic freedom.
The Berlinale issued a lengthy statement from festival head Tricia Tuttle in response to a media backlash over political questions, reaffirming that artists should not be expected to comment on every political issue and emphasizing the festival’s dedication to free expression and cinema.
The Berlinale issued a lengthy defense of its filmmakers and jury, notably jury president Wim Wenders, after a media storm over remarks suggesting filmmakers should stay out of politics; Arundhati Roy cancelled her visit in protest. Festival chief Tricia Tuttle contributed a reflection on 'Speaking, Cinema and Politics,' affirming artists’ right to free expression and saying they should not be pressured to comment on every political issue, while the festival continues to showcase diverse perspectives across 278 films.
Martin Scorsese received the honorary Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, reflecting on his career and teasing a return to the festival in the future. German director Wim Wenders introduced Scorsese with a humorous anecdote, and Scorsese discussed the impact of film festivals on his career, emphasizing the importance of the filmmaking community. He expressed gratitude for being part of the ongoing conversation in cinema and hinted at continuing to make films in the future.
Wim Wenders' latest film "Perfect Days" explores the theme of finding beauty in life's limitations through the story of a Tokyo-based toilet cleaner, Hirayama, played by Kōji Yakusho. The film, shot entirely in Japanese, presents a sentimental fable that questions how to live in the face of need, loneliness, and disappointment. While the portrayal of Hirayama's seemingly perfect days may flirt with glibness, the movie ultimately nudges viewers toward appreciating transient beauty in the flawed world, making their days better.
Kōji Yakusho delivers a masterful performance in Wim Wenders' "Perfect Days," portraying the life of a Japanese toilet cleaner with depth and nuance, elevating everyday routines into profound moments. The film challenges preconceptions and offers a poignant portrayal of an "invisible" member of society. Yakusho's portrayal of the character's internal struggles and moments of joy is described as a sublime and emotionally resonant experience, culminating in a climactic shot that is hailed as one of the most astounding in recent cinema.
Wim Wenders' latest film "Perfect Days" features public toilets in Tokyo as a central theme, inspired by the city's architecturally stunning public bathroom buildings. The movie, nominated for an Academy Award, tells the story of a public-toilet cleaner with a mysterious past and showcases the unique design and artistry of the Tokyo Toilet project, originally intended to welcome visitors to the 2020 Olympic Games.
"Anselm" is a 3D documentary by Wim Wenders that explores the works of German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer. The film delves into Kiefer's uncompromising gaze at Germany's dark histories and his own place in them. Through visually immersive storytelling, Wenders captures the artist's use of burnt raw materials and evocative landscapes to convey the ravages of World War II. While the documentary doesn't try to endear us to its subject, it offers a vivid portrayal of Kiefer's art and his philosophical reflections on his nation's past.
German filmmaker Wim Wenders' documentary "Anselm" explores the life and work of artist Anselm Kiefer, known for his large-scale installations addressing the catastrophic events of the twentieth century. Wenders portrays Kiefer's intimidating figure in 3D, providing a tactile experience of his art. The film avoids critical analysis or personal anecdotes, instead encouraging viewers to formulate their own questions. However, it neglects to address the financial support behind Kiefer's vision. "Anselm" is currently in limited release.
"Anselm" is a 3-D artist documentary directed by Wim Wenders that explores the history and thought of German artist Anselm Kiefer. The film incorporates archival footage, re-enactments, and puppet shows to provide insight into Kiefer's artistic development and his exploration of discomfiting history. Wenders, known for his previous 3-D artist documentary "Pina," once again utilizes the medium to enhance the viewer's experience and create a sense of immersion in Kiefer's world.
The 36th Tokyo International Film Festival kicked off with a tribute to directors Wim Wenders and Zhang Yimou. Wenders, who directed the opening film "Perfect Days," also serves as the president of the competition jury and is honored in a tribute to Ozu Yasujiro. The festival aims to strengthen cross-border film production and fund raising, with a growing number of foreign guests in attendance. The Japanese film industry has had a successful year, with notable films from Hamaguchi Ryusuke and Miyazaki Hayao. The festival will conclude with the screening of "Godzilla Minus One."