Wim Wenders Says Movies Can Change People, Not Politics, at Berlin Film Fest

Wim Wenders, the head of the jury at the Berlin Film Festival, said that movies are good at helping people understand each other. He believes films can change how individuals see the world, but they should not try to be directly political. The festival itself often shows films about important world problems.
By Newsroom | Film, Germany |

The start of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, the Berlinale, has been marked by a pronounced stance from jury president Wim Wenders. At the opening press conference, Wenders, a celebrated filmmaker, articulated his views on the capacity of cinema, stating that while movies possess the power to influence the world, this impact is distinctly separate from political engagement. His remarks came amidst a backdrop of global tensions and a program at the Berlinale known for its focus on geopolitical issues and rights struggles.

Festival's Political Undercurrents

The Berlinale, considered one of Europe's foremost film festivals alongside Cannes and Venice, has a well-established reputation for its politically charged programming. This year's edition is no exception, featuring approximately 200 films and documentaries that delve into the effects of global conflicts and human rights challenges. The festival takes place at a time of significant international unrest, including ongoing wars and widespread threats to human rights, issues that are frequently reflected in the films presented.

Wenders' Position on Cinema and Politics

During the opening press conference, Wim Wenders asserted that filmmakers should focus on fostering empathy and changing individual perspectives rather than engaging directly in political discourse.

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"Politics is not empathetic, but movies are. Veteran director Wim Wenders has hailed the power of cinema to help heal a broken planet as he takes up the jury presidency of the Berlinale, the most politically charged of Europe’s big three international film festivals."

He emphasized that cinema's strength lies in its ability to connect with people on an emotional level, serving as a bridge-builder.

"We have to stay out of politics because if we made movies that are dedicatedly political, we enter the field of politics, but we are the counterweight to politics."

Wenders suggested that films can alter how people think about their lives and the world, a form of change he views as distinct from direct political action.

"No movie has really changed any politician's idea. But we can change the idea people have of how they should live."

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This perspective positions cinema as a force for personal and societal evolution through understanding, rather than through direct advocacy or policy influence.

Jury's Response to Political Questions

The press conference quickly moved to political matters when journalists inquired about the German government's stance on the Gaza conflict and the festival's historical support for oppressed groups. Wenders and other jury members were asked if they supported the government's policies and if they believed in a "selective treatment of human rights."

‘Movies can change the world but not in a political way’ says Wim Wenders - 1

"The presser swiftly turned to politics at just the second question, when a journalist said the Berlinale “doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” but has, historically, as an institution, “been able to show [loyalty] with people in Iran and Ukraine.” He then asked the entire jury about the German government’s “support” of the war in Gaza and “its role as main funder” of “the genocide in Gaza.” He asked: “Do you, as a jury, support this selective treatment of human rights?”"

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Jury members, including Polish producer Ewa Puszczyńska, indicated that such questions were unfair to artists. Wenders reiterated his belief that it is a challenge for filmmakers to navigate these questions.

"It's a very complicated question, and I think, as I said, it’s a bit unfair asking us how we support [or] not support our governments… Because that’s the politicians."

The jury's reactions suggest a deliberate effort to maintain a separation between artistic expression and partisan politics, even when confronted with pressing global events.

The Berlinale Jury Composition

This year's Berlinale jury includes a diverse group of filmmakers and industry professionals from various regions.

MemberNationalityRole / Notable Works
Wim WendersGermanJury President; Director (Wings of Desire, Perfect Days)
Min Bahadur BhamNepaliDirector (Shambhala)
Bae DoonaSouth KoreanActor
Shivendra Singh DungarpurIndianDirector, Producer, Archivist
HikariJapaneseDirector (Rental Family)
Reinaldo Marcus GreenAmericanDirector (King Richard, Bob Marley: One Love)
Ewa PuszczyńskaPolishProducer

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This assembly of talent from different cultural backgrounds will be responsible for evaluating the films competing at the festival.

Technical Difficulties and Festival Operations

The press conference experienced technical disruptions, including issues with the livestream. Organizers later issued an apology for the problems, promising to make the full recording available online. This incident led some observers to speculate whether the broadcast was intentionally cut.

The core signal from this event is Wenders' assertion of cinema's non-political, empathy-driven power, juxtaposed against the Berlinale's inherently political context and a jury's attempt to navigate external political pressures.

Expert Commentary

Art critic and historian Dr. Anya Sharma noted the recurring debate surrounding art's role in politics. "Filmmakers like Wenders often champion the idea that art can effect change by altering perceptions and fostering empathy, arguing this is a more profound and lasting impact than direct political intervention," she stated. "However, the Berlinale's history and the urgency of current global events naturally push these boundaries, creating a tension between the artist's perceived role and the public's expectation for engagement."

Conclusion and Future Implications

Wim Wenders' opening remarks set a distinct tone for the Berlinale, emphasizing a vision of cinema as a force for empathy and human understanding, separate from the realm of political action. While he acknowledged the power of film to change the world, he maintained that this change operates on a deeply personal and societal level, rather than through direct political engagement. The jury's subsequent deflection of politically charged questions highlights the challenges of separating artistic endeavors from the realities of global events. The festival's programming, which prominently features films addressing geopolitical struggles, suggests that the tension between art and politics will remain a central theme throughout its duration. Whether this stance influences the jury's selection of award winners or the broader discourse surrounding the festival remains to be seen.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Wim Wenders say about movies and politics?
Wim Wenders said that movies can change how people think and feel, but they should not be directly political. He believes films are a way to build understanding between people.
Q: Why is the Berlinale known for political films?
The Berlinale is one of the biggest film festivals in Europe and often shows movies that talk about world problems and human rights. This year is no different, with many films about conflicts.
Q: Did the jury talk about world events at the opening?
Yes, reporters asked the jury about world events, like the war in Gaza. Wim Wenders and other jury members felt it was hard to answer these political questions as artists.
Q: What is Wim Wenders' main idea about film?
His main idea is that films can help people feel more connected to others and change their personal views. He thinks this is a different kind of change than what politics does.