Berlin 2024: Protestors chant “defend democracy” at opening ceremony
Ahead of the opening night of the Berlin Film Festival, protestors gathered to chant “defend democracy” after the event invited and disinvited members of the German far-right political party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD).
Since 2017, members of the AfD have been present at the opening gala due to local legislature. However, in recent months, there have been a rising number far-right protests across Germany and allegations AfD members met with neo-Nazis to discuss a mass deportation scheme, their presence is no longer welcome. Therefore, upon news of their invitation, there was a sizeable backlash from the artistic community.
More than 200 notable figures who largely worked in the German film industry signed an open letter, and claimed the AfD’s presence was “incompatible” with the ethics of the Berlin International Film Festival.
In response, the Berlinale changed their mind, and decided against allowing members of the AfD to attend the event.
Now, on February 15th, 50 protestors held hands across the red carpet at the Potsdamer Platz in Berlin to chant “defend democracy” while the message was also shown on the big screen. The protest was authorised by the Berlinale to show they stand by their decision to disinvite the AfD.
Jonathan Berlin, Meret Becker, Luisa Gaffron, Pegah Ferydoni, Roshanak Khodabakhsh Anne Leppin, Jannis Niewöhner, Murali Perumal, Katja Riemann, Lavinia Wilson and Jessica Schwarz were among the talent to protest, per Variety.
Additionally, another set of protestors held a banner outside of the event in Berlin, which read, “No seats for fascists anywhere.”
During the press conference earlier on February 15th, talk of the AfD’s presence at Berlin Film Festival dominated conversation.
Jury head Lupita Nyongo’o said: “I’m a foreigner here. I don’t know the ins and outs of the political situation here. I’m glad I don’t have to answer that question. I’m glad I don’t have to be in that position.”
Meanwhile, German director Petzold told those in attendance: “All these questions make them [the AfD] stronger than they are. We’ve been discussing this for days. There are hundreds of thousands of people demonstrating against them and they are more important than this kind of discussion.”
Petzold continued: “I don’t think it’s a problem to have five AfD members in the audience. We’re not cowards. If we can’t stand to have five people of the AfD in the audience we will lose our fight….”
See footage of the protests below.
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