Author Arundhati Roy Exits Berlin Film Festival Amid Gaza Row, Citing Filmmaker's 'No Politics' Stance
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Arundhati Roy Quits Berlin Film Festival Over 'Apolitical' Stance on Gaza
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Firstpost•14-02-2026, 09:25
Arundhati Roy Quits Berlin Film Festival Over 'Apolitical' Stance on Gaza
•Award-winning author Arundhati Roy withdrew from the Berlin Film Festival, citing comments by jury president Wim Wenders that cinema should "stay out of politics" regarding the Gaza controversy.
•Roy expressed being "shocked and disgusted" by the jury's responses to questions about the Palestinian territory during a press conference.
•She was scheduled to present a restored version of her 1989 film "In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones" but reconsidered due to the "unconscionable" remarks.
•Roy characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as "a genocide of the Palestinian people" and criticized filmmakers for not speaking out.
•Other films have also been withdrawn, and the festival has faced criticism for its handling of political issues, with some stars avoiding stances on major events.