Arundhati Roy Withdraws From Berlin Film Festival Over Gaza Stance
Award-winning author Arundhati Roy has withdrawn from the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, citing “shock and disgust” over jury president Wim Wenders’ reluctance to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The decision underscores a growing debate about the role of art and artists in responding to global political crises.
The celebrated novelist, known for her 1997 Booker Prize-winning novel “The God of Small Things,” was scheduled to present a restored version of her 1989 film, “In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones,” a project in which she both starred and penned the screenplay. However, Roy announced her withdrawal on Friday, February 13, 2026, following Wenders’ comments at a press conference the previous day.
Controversy at the Berlinale
The catalyst for Roy’s decision was Wenders’ response to a question regarding Germany’s support for Israel during the February 12, 2026, press conference. According to Roy, Wenders stated, “We cannot really enter the field of politics,” and positioned filmmakers as “the counterweight to politics.”
Roy characterized these statements as “unconscionable” and fundamentally at odds with the responsibility of artists. “To hear them say that art should not be political is jaw-dropping,” she stated in a statement released to AFP. The author’s withdrawal highlights a deep-seated disagreement over whether artistic expression can – or should – remain separate from pressing geopolitical issues.
A Stark Accusation
Roy did not shy away from expressing her strong condemnation of the situation in Gaza, describing Israel’s actions as “a genocide of the Palestinian people by the State of Israel.” She issued a pointed challenge to her fellow artists and filmmakers, asserting, “If the greatest filmmakers and artists of our time cannot stand up and say so, they should know that history will judge them.”
This forceful statement reflects a broader trend of artists using their platforms to advocate for political and social change. The incident at the Berlinale has ignited a conversation about the ethical obligations of cultural figures in the face of human rights concerns.
The Debate Over “Political” Art
Wenders’ position, while controversial, reflects a long-standing debate about the appropriate boundaries of artistic expression. Some argue that art should be free from political influence to maintain its integrity and universal appeal. Others contend that art inherently carries political weight, whether intentional or not, and that artists have a moral imperative to address injustice.
The withdrawal of a prominent figure like Arundhati Roy from a prestigious event like the Berlin Film Festival serves as a powerful demonstration of the latter viewpoint. It remains to be seen how this incident will influence future discussions about the intersection of art and activism.
The article was published on February 14, 2026, at 01:52 am IST.
