“Berlinale against right-wing extremism”: Protest on the red carpet Railway strike in France has an impact on Switzerland

Numerous actors and actresses took a stand against right-wing extremism during the grand opening gala of the Berlinale. At a protest organized by the film festival itself, filmmakers such as Jella Haase and Katja Riemann shouted “Defend Democracy”. They held cell phone lights in the air and the red carpet went silent during the event.

“By rejecting the AfD, the Berlinale has clearly positioned itself against right-wing extremism in Germany. On its opening night, the Berlinale invites a group of filmmakers to the red carpet to set an example for democracy, diversity and peaceful coexistence,” said a statement from the film festival. The background to the protests was a debate over the invitation and non-invitation of several AfD politicians to the opening gala. On the carpet, several people wore buttons with the inscription ‘Berlinale against right-wing extremism’.

Glitter chain against the AfD

Actress Pheline Roggan (“Jerks”) wore a glitter necklace with the inscription “Fck AfD”, model and entrepreneur Papis Loveday held a sign with the inscription “No Racism! No AfD!” upwards.

When asked why it was so important for her to set an example for democracy, Haase said: “Because it shocks me with what indifference, with what normality people almost go to the polls and put their cross on parties that. .. a name for yourself clearly and distinctly with right-wing radical ideas.”

Wim Wenders: Berlinale does not remain outside politics

Actress Emilia Schüle said she felt better that no AfD representatives were present. The Berlinale is a political festival. Oscar-nominated director Wim Wenders (“Perfect Days”) also saw it this way – and praised the film festival for it: “The Berlinale has traditionally always been the most political of the major festivals, it is now not left out and that will be the case in won’t happen in the future either,” said the 78-year-old. “I love the Berlinale because she always opens her mouth and says something.”

After the Correctiv investigation and the large demonstrations against right-wing extremism and the AfD, the debate is currently receiving a lot of attention. Representatives of the party had originally been invited – as usual – to the opening and had announced that they would come. After unloading, some people at the edge of the carpet held up posters with the inscription “Berlinale – Discrimination is the program”.

There were also other political actions on the carpet. Several people held up signs in memory of the victims of the 2020 racist attack in Hanau, the anniversary of which fell on February 19.

Many stars came to the opening at the Berlinale Palast on Potsdamer Platz on Thursday evening. German celebrities who walked the carpet included Veronica Ferres, Jessica Schwarz, Heike Makatsch, Iris Berben, Jürgen Vogel, Lars Eidinger and Toni Garrn.

(sda/dpa)