Indian writer Arundhati Roy has decided to cancel her appearance at the Berlin Film Festival due to the organizers’ reluctance to address the conflict in Gaza. The acclaimed author, known for winning the prestigious Booker Prize in 1997, expressed her dismay over remarks made during a recent press conference.
At the conference, jury president Wim Wenders faced a question about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, to which he suggested that cinema should steer clear of political matters. Another jury member echoed this sentiment, stating that it was unreasonable to expect them to take a stance on the issue.
Roy, who was slated to attend the festival to showcase a restored version of her 1989 film “In Which Annie Gives It Those One” – a movie that marked Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan’s debut, has opted out of the event.
In a statement, Roy condemned the responses of the jury members as “unconscionable” and criticized their belief that art should remain apolitical as “stunning.” She condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza as a form of genocide against Palestinians and cautioned that artists and filmmakers who remain silent will be judged by history.
The Berlin Film Festival acknowledged Roy’s decision with respect but expressed regret over her absence, noting that her participation would have added depth to the festival’s discussions.