Iconic Indian Writer Arundhati Roy Withdraws From Berlinale in Gaza Protest

Award-winning Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy has pulled out of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in protest after comments by members of the festival jury relating to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war drew sharp criticism from her. Roy said she was “shocked and disgusted” by the responses from jury members when they were asked about the conflict.

The writer was scheduled to attend the festival to present a restored version of her 1989 film In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones, which she both wrote and featured in. The film was selected for the Berlinale Classics section, a showcase of iconic cinema. However, Roy’s announcement means she will now skip the festival entirely.

The controversy began when Wim Wenders, president of the Berlinale jury and a noted German filmmaker, responded to a question about Gaza during a press conference by saying that cinema should “stay out of politics.” He described films and filmmakers as serving as “the counterweight to politics,” suggesting artistic expression should not directly engage in geopolitics.

Fellow jury member Ewa Puszczynska later said it was “a little bit unfair” to expect the jury to take a clear stance on the issue. These remarks drew immediate backlash from Roy, who fiercely rejected the idea that art and political expression should be separated when humanitarian crises unfold.

In her statement, Roy said she was “shocked and disgusted” by the jury’s responses and described them as “unconscionable.” She said that hearing the jury suggest that art should not be political was “jaw-dropping.” Roy has repeatedly condemned the violence in Gaza and described Israel’s actions against Palestinians as a genocide while also criticising Western governments for their roles.

The writer also warned that “if the greatest filmmakers and artists of our time cannot stand up and say so, they should know that history will judge them.”

In addition to Roy’s withdrawal, several other classic films by Egyptian directors were reportedly pulled from the festival programme over concerns about the festival’s stance on the war. The Berlinale issued a statement expressing regret that these works and voices would not be present, adding that their inclusion would have “enriched the festival discourse.”

The controversy has reignited global debate on the role of art and cultural platforms in political discourse, especially amid ongoing humanitarian crises. The Berlin Film Festival has long been known for engaging with topical issues, but this year’s events have highlighted deep divisions within the international arts community.