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Berlin Film Festival Faces Resignation Calls Amid Controversy

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 26th 2026 at 5:46 GMT by Euronews
      Locales: GERMANY, FRANCE

BERLIN, February 26th, 2026 - The 76th Berlin International Film Festival, currently underway, is facing an internal storm as a coalition of leading European filmmakers publicly rallies behind Artistic Director Carlo Chatrikin amidst growing calls for his resignation. The controversy, centering around accusations of biased film selection and perceived political leanings, threatens to overshadow the artistic achievements showcased at this year's event.

The initial spark of discontent ignited last week following the announcement of the festival's competition lineup. Critics argued that Chatrikin's choices favored overtly political films, marginalizing works prioritizing artistic merit and diverse cinematic styles. Accusations of favoring films aligning with a specific ideological viewpoint quickly spread through industry circles and onto social media, prompting a petition demanding Chatrikin's removal which garnered tens of thousands of signatures within days.

While the specifics of the criticized selections remain contentious, the core argument from detractors centers on the perceived imbalance in representation. Some claim a disproportionate number of films tackling themes of social justice and climate change were selected, while narratives focused on personal stories, historical dramas, or pure entertainment were comparatively overlooked. This, they argue, undermines the Berlinale's traditional role as a platform for all voices, regardless of their political messaging.

However, a powerful counter-movement has now emerged, spearheaded by influential figures in European cinema. A statement released yesterday, signed by directors Marc Muller (known for his critically acclaimed historical epics), producer Peter Knauber (responsible for launching the careers of numerous emerging filmmakers), and screenwriter Caroline Link (whose poignant dramas have won international awards), explicitly defends Chatrikin and champions the importance of artistic freedom.

"We firmly believe that artistic freedom must be protected, even when it leads to difficult or uncomfortable decisions," the statement asserts. "The Berlinale is a vital platform for diverse voices and perspectives, and it is crucial that we resist pressure to conform or censor artistic expression. To yield to demands for a 'safe' or uncontroversial program would be a betrayal of the festival's spirit and a disservice to the art of filmmaking."

This isn't the first time the Berlinale has faced criticism regarding its programming. The festival has historically been a haven for politically charged cinema, often serving as a space to highlight marginalized communities and address pressing social issues. However, the current intensity of the backlash suggests a deeper tension within the industry - a growing debate over the role of politics in art, and the boundaries of artistic license.

The situation is further complicated by the festival's funding structure. The Berlinale receives significant public funding from the German government and the city of Berlin. Critics have suggested that this financial dependency may be influencing Chatrikin's programming choices, aligning them with the prevailing political climate in Germany. Festival officials vehemently deny these allegations, emphasizing that artistic merit remains the primary selection criterion.

The debate extends beyond the specific films chosen. Some observers argue that the very concept of "political bias" is subjective and that any film, by its very nature, reflects the worldview of its creators. They contend that the current outcry represents an attempt to impose a narrow definition of "artistic neutrality" on a festival renowned for its progressive and thought-provoking programming.

The coming days are crucial for the Berlinale. The festival organizers are reportedly engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations with both the protesting filmmakers and Chatrikin's supporters, hoping to find a resolution that allows the festival to proceed without further disruption. While Chatrikin's position appears secure for now, the controversy has undoubtedly tarnished the festival's image and raised fundamental questions about its future direction. The outcome of this struggle will likely have significant implications for film festivals worldwide, setting a precedent for how artistic freedom is defined and defended in an increasingly polarized world.