Berlin Film Festival chief required to submit an “antisemitism code of conduct”
Tricia Tuttle, director of the Berlin Film Festival, will keep her job after facing much backlash, but will be required to submit an “antisemitism code of conduct”, according to the German media.
Last month, the Berlin Film Festival found itself at the heart of controversy after jury president Wim Wenders stated that movies “should stay out of politics”.
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”.
However, it was then reported that Tuttle was on the brink of losing her position. Tuttle began her role in 2024 and was given a mandate to serve for five years as director.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, Tuttle has agreed to stay on after accepting new responsibilities, which will include a new advisory board and a code of conduct that all festival participants will be required to sign off on.
Reportedly, the code will include a “taboo against antisemitism that applies to all participants.” The news has come through unnamed government sources, via a right-wing outlet that has led the charge to get Tuttle fired.
At the festival, the Syrian-Palestinian director Abdallah Al-Khatib, who won a prize for Chronicles From the Siege, used his speech to aim at the German government, accusing them of “being partners in the genocide in Gaza by Israel.”
Reportedly, German federal environment minister Carsten Schneider walked out of the ceremony in response.
Tuttle’s new code of conduct will be formed in line with Germany’s free speech laws, though it isn’t yet clear how the two will intersect.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.