As the 76th Berlin Film Festival kicks off, veteran director Wim Wenders, now serving as jury president, has articulated a powerful vision for the role of cinema in a world beset by conflict and suffering. Addressing the press, Wenders acknowledged film’s potential to inspire change—not in political arenas, but in individual hearts and minds.
Cinema as a Bridge
During a press conference in Berlin, Wenders, renowned for films like *Wings of Desire* and *Perfect Days*, expressed a profound belief in the transformative power of storytelling. He indicated that while cinema may not sway political leaders, it possesses the ability to reshape societal perceptions. “Yes, movies can change the world,” he stated. “Not in a political way. No movie has really changed any politician’s idea, but … we can change the idea that people have of how they should live.”
Wenders, who leads a jury tasked with selecting winners from 22 films competing for the prestigious Golden and Silver Bear awards, underscored the festival’s ethos of fostering empathy through cinematic narratives. He sees filmmaking as an act of bridge-building, a means to connect disparate experiences and emotions in an increasingly fractured world.
Navigating Political Waters
The discussion took a tense turn when Wenders was pressed on Germany’s stance on the ongoing Gaza conflict and the notion of “selective” solidarity with oppressed populations. He firmly rejected the idea that the film industry should align itself with political positions. “We have to stay out of politics,” Wenders asserted. “If we make movies that are dedicatedly political, we enter the field of politics. But we are the counterweight of politics; we are the opposite of politics. We have to do the work of people, not the work of politicians.”
Ewa Puszczyńska, a Polish producer serving on Wenders’s jury, described the question as “unfair,” suggesting that the complexities of global conflict cannot be distilled into binary choices. “Of course, we are trying to talk to people and make them think,” she elaborated. “But we cannot be responsible for what their decision would be, to support Israel or to support Palestine. There are many wars where genocide is committed, and we do not talk about them… so this is a complicated question.”
The Festival’s Focus
Set against a backdrop of social upheaval, the Berlinale’s programme features approximately 200 films, including documentaries and features that probe the effects of geopolitical crises and human rights struggles worldwide. This year’s festival opens with *No Good Men*, directed by Shahrbanoo Sadat, which is heralded as Afghanistan’s first romantic comedy and will be screened out of competition.
Among the stars in attendance are Amy Adams, Channing Tatum, and Ethan Hawke, bringing glamour to what is often regarded as Europe’s most politically charged film festival. Wenders emphasised the unique capacity of cinema to evoke compassion, contrasting it sharply with the often desensitising nature of news media and political discourse. “Cinema has an incredible power of being compassionate and empathetic,” he remarked. “The news is not empathetic. Politics is not empathetic, but movies are. And that’s our duty.”
Why it Matters
In a world where political narratives often overshadow personal experiences, Wim Wenders’s insights shed light on the essential role of cinema as a vessel for empathy and understanding. The Berlinale stands as a reminder that while films may not dictate policy, they possess the profound ability to inspire individuals and communities to reflect on their values and humanity. In a time of division, this festival reaffirms the belief that stories can foster connection and healing, transcending the barriers erected by politics and conflict.