Berlin Film Festival chief’s position reportedly under threat amid political backlash to event
Tricia Tuttle, director of the Berlin Film Festival, is reportedly on the brink of losing her position, according to German media.
Tuttle began her role in 2024 and was given a mandate to serve five years as director of the prestigious event, which may now be coming to an end.
German publication Bild were the first to report that Tuttle is set to be removed from her position after Germany’s culture minister, Wolfram Weimar, scheduled a meeting on February 26th in regards to the future direction of the Berlin Film Festival.
In a statement to Variety, the Berlinale confirmed, “On Thursday morning there will be an extraordinary meeting of the Supervisory Board of KBB GmbH at the initiative of State Minister Wolfram Weimer. Weimer is the Chair of the Supervisory Board.”
They also stated that “the meeting will include a discussion on the future direction of the Berlinale”, but refused to add further comment.
It comes after the Berlin Film Festival has found itself on the receiving end of a political backlash. Firstly, at the opening press conference, jury president Wim Wenders stated that movies “should stay out of politics”, which courted controversy.
An open letter was signed by more than 80 high-profile figures in the film industry, including Javier Bardem and Tilda Swinton, condemning the Berlinale for its stance on Palestine.
Tuttle personally responded to the letter, stating that the festival “recognises the depth of anger and frustration about the suffering of people in Gaza, and the urgency that people feel to speak out and make their voices heard”.
Then, during the closing ceremony on February 21st, several award-winners used their platform to speak up for Palestine.
Reportedly, German federal environment minister Carsten Schneider walked out of the ceremony after Palestinian director Abdallah Al-Khatib claimed the German government has been “partners in the genocide in Gaza by Israel”.
The festival later came to the defence of filmmakers who spoke about Gaza and said it was “within the bounds of free speech laws in Germany”.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.