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Berlin, Germany – The 75th edition of the Berlin International Film Festival, Berlinale, opened on Thursday under the shadow of a snowstorm and recent terrorist attack in Munich.
However, beyond the cinematic celebrations, a solemn demonstration took center stage on the red carpet, as Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle joined German actors in a vigil to raise awareness for the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.
Tuttle and a group of German film professionals held up a photograph of David Cunio, an Israeli citizen kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023.
Cunio, a former Berlinale participant, starred in Tom Shoval’s 2013 film Youth, which was screened at the festival.
His connection to Berlinale was further reinforced by the inclusion of Letter to David, a documentary by Shoval about Cunio’s abduction, in this year’s festival lineup.
The vigil, organized by the group Bring David Home Now, was first held at Potsdamer Platz, near the main festival venue, before moving to the Berlinale Palast red carpet ahead of the opening ceremony.
Tuttle was joined by prominent German actors, including Christian Berkel, Andrea Sawatzki, and Ulrich Matthes, in calling attention to Cunio’s captivity.
In addition to the physical demonstration, an open letter signed by over 100 film industry professionals, including actress Jennifer Jason Leigh and directors Michel Franco and Ari Folman, was released.
The letter emphasized Cunio’s personal connection to Berlinale and called for his immediate release, alongside his brother Ariel and other hostages.
“As the Berlin Film Festival takes place in the city of Berlin for the 75th time, we would like to remind festivalgoers that there is a captive with ties to the festival who is still held hostage inside the tunnels of Hamas somewhere in the Gaza Strip,” the letter stated.
It concluded with a plea: “As the film festival starts, and Berlin becomes full of life and art, we call for the immediate release of David, his brother Ariel, and the many dozens of Israeli hostages who are being held in the tunnels of Gaza.”
Adding to the festival’s focus on the ongoing hostage crisis, Berlinale is also screening Holding Liat, a documentary by director Brandon Kramer and produced by Darren Aronofsky. The film follows the story of Liat Atzili, another Israeli hostage, and her family’s struggle for her release.
Berlinale and Political Controversy
Tuttle’s participation in the vigil marked a shift from last year’s Berlinale, which faced criticism over speeches by some award winners that were seen as critical of Israel while omitting references to Hamas’s attack that sparked the ongoing war. In her opening-night speech, Tuttle affirmed that the festival remains a platform for open dialogue.
Scottish actress Tilda Swinton, recipient of this year’s honorary Golden Bear award for lifetime achievement, delivered a politically charged speech.
While she did not directly reference Israel, Gaza, or Hamas, she stated: “The inhumane is being perpetrated on our watch. I’m here to name it without hesitation or doubt in my mind.”
Swinton’s remarks also included a critique of state violence and international intervention, with an apparent reference to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to rebuild Gaza.
“This festival is innately inclusive, immune to efforts of occupation, colonization, takeover, ownership, or the development of riviera property,” she added.
As Berlinale continues, the intersection of art, politics, and human rights remains at the forefront, with Tuttle’s red carpet vigil sending a clear message: the plight of the Israeli hostages will not be forgotten.