Today marks the start of the Berlinale Film Festival. On the first day, the doubts are now more concerning, the skepticism on the direction of festival grows while critics are not waiting until the end of the ten day gathering to express their unconvinced opinions on the 76th edition.
A lesson from a man who made some great films, producer Samuel Goldwyn said, “If you want to send a message, use Western Union.”
It is a naive to think or arrogant to believe their politics are universally shared. The Latte Cafe political depth of the film festival programmers defies real world realities. The Berlinale played the political card over the years, until the politics have became uncomfortable. After years of making political statements either with film selections or speeches on the festival platform, 2026 jury head Wenders says “We have to stay out of politics.” Twenty guesses on how the Internet reacted to that statement.
So why is this the rallying cry? Is this a political statement? The Berlinale is run by adults who want their cake and eat it too.
The Same Questions
The lack of stars and Hollywood films hit home in Potsdamer Platz.
But what is the Berlinale? After a false start in 2025, the festival has fallen back in a pattern of uncertainty with many of the same questions being asked.
Welcome to a Berlin children’s playground, where the thin skinned cool kids are the gatekeepers. Black and Paper has been blackballed over the years by the Berlinale for opining the exact viewpoints written by the much bigger media outlets. Certainly, these publications had no problems getting accreditation even if their critiques are unfavourable. However, being a small online magazine, it is easier for them to punch down.
On a special note, we heard the opening film “No Good Men” had a positive vibe.
