Could AfD Have a Negative Impact on the 2024 Berlinale?
The Berlin Film Festival has revoked the invitation for members of the German far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) to attend the opening gala of its 74th edition. Initially, the festival had extended invitations to AfD members, following a customary practice of inviting Berlin state parliamentarians from all political parties.
The facts
The Berlin International Film Festival, also known as the Berlinale, is one of the most prestigious and influential film festivals in the world. It showcases the best of global cinema, celebrates diversity and creativity, and fosters dialogue and cooperation among filmmakers and audiences.
However, the 2024 edition of the festival, which is scheduled for February 15-25, may face a serious challenge due to the rise of the far-right populist party Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has been accused of promoting hate, intolerance, and extremism.
The AfD, which was founded in 2013 as an anti-euro and anti-immigration party, has gained popularity and power in Germany, especially in the eastern states, where it has exploited the social and economic grievances of the people.
The party is currently the third-largest in the federal parliament and the main opposition in several state parliaments. It is also expected to perform well in the upcoming federal election in September 2023, where it may become the kingmaker or the spoiler for the next government.
The party has also been involved in several scandals and controversies, such as the revelation of its involvement in a plan for the mass deportation of foreigners, the use of Nazi slogans and symbols, and the denial of the Holocaust and climate change.
The AfD’s ideology and rhetoric pose a direct threat to the values and vision of the Berlinale, which is committed to promoting human rights, democracy, and diversity through cinema.
The arguments
Directors of the Berlinale Mariëtte Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian cited recent reports on the AfD’s alleged mass deportation plans as the reason for a decision to disinvite Kristin Brinker and Ronald Gläse – AfD politicians – from the festival.
“Especially in light of the revelations that have been made in recent weeks about explicitly anti-democratic positions and individual politicians of the AfD, it is important for us – as the Berlinale and as a team – to take an unequivocal stand in favour of an open democracy.
“We have therefore today written to all previously invited AfD politicians and informed them that they are not welcome at the Berlinale,” read the statement put out by the directors of the festival.
This U-turn by the Berlinale directors could be a form of good news for some film professionals who were outrightly against the invitation extended to AfD members.
However, Berlinale backed its decision with “Members of the AfD were elected to the Bundestag and the Berlin House of Representatives in the last elections. Accordingly, they are also represented in political cultural committees and other bodies. That is a fact, and we have to accept it as such. Both the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media and the Berlin Senate receive invitation quotas for the Berlinale, which are allocated to the democratically elected members of all parties in the Bundestag and House of Representatives.
“It was against this background that the AfD representatives were invited to the Berlinale. People – including elected representatives – who act contrary to our fundamental values are not welcome at the Berlinale. We will express this clearly and emphatically in a personal letter to the AfD representatives as well as on other occasions.”
On the other hand, others believe that AfD may try to disrupt or damage the reputation and the atmosphere of the festival, which is known for its openness and inclusiveness.
