NewsDirector rejects Berlinale award over Israel’s genocidal war in GazaTunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s refusal to accept a peace prize highlights growing industry backlash against the film festival’s silence on Palestine.

Director's Protest at International Film Awards

Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania declined to accept an award at the Berlin International Film Festival, leaving her trophy on stage. This act was to protest against the international political cover for Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Ben Hania received the "Most Valuable Film" prize at the Cinema for Peace Awards for her project, The Voice of Hind Rajab. She emphasized that the death of a five-year-old Palestinian girl by the Israeli army is part of a systematic issue.

Ben Hania's stance coincides with an open letter signed by 81 film professionals, including actors and directors, condemning the Berlinale for its silence on Gaza. The letter criticized the festival's perceived double standards in its responses to international conflicts.

The letter also addressed comments by Jury President Wim Wenders, who suggested that filmmakers should avoid politics. Some participants, such as Indian author Arundhati Roy, withdrew from the festival in response.

The protest occurs alongside reports from a recent investigation about the use of thermobaric weapons by Israeli forces in Gaza. These weapons are reported to have devastating effects, with temperatures exceeding 3,500 degrees Celsius (6,332 degrees Fahrenheit).

The letter further criticized Germany for being a major exporter of weapons to Israel and accused it of suppressing artists advocating for Palestinian rights. A significant number of film industry professionals have pledged to boycott work with Israeli film companies and institutions.

Ben Hania left her award on stage to symbolize her refusal to allow her documentary to be used for public relations purposes. She emphasized that peace must be based on accountability for acts of mass violence.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.