Tilda Swinton and Javier Bardem are among a list of amoung roughly 80 artists who have written an open letter criticizing the Berlinale's leadership for what they see as its failure to take a clear stance on Israel's war in Gaza.

The controversy intensified after jury president Wim Wenders said the festival should "stay out of politics." Critics argue the Berlin International Film Festival has always engaged with political issues, raising questions about censorship, artistic freedom and the event's global reputation.