Bavarian Film Awards Spotlight Calls for Open Society

Speeches at the ceremony condemned political polarization, cultural cuts, and the normalization of far-right ideologies.

Actress Jella Haase used her acceptance speech to denounce the rise of far-right ideologies and political division in Germany, receiving standing ovations for her remarks.
Haase emphasized the need to reject the normalization of extremist views and urged politicians to stop fostering divisive narratives.
Regisseurin Ayşe Polat and other honorees called for a return to empathy, humanity, and respect amidst growing societal tensions.
Documentary filmmakers Hans Block and Moritz Riesewieck criticized cultural budget cuts and warned about the dangers of unchecked artificial intelligence spreading propaganda.
Ehrenpreisträgerin Uschi Glas urged the defense of democracy, adding a historical perspective to the evening's appeals for unity and open dialogue.