Berlin Film Festival Faces Backlash Over Pro-Palestinian Speech

Director Jun Li's controversial remarks spark investigation under German hate speech laws and calls to defund the Berlinale.

Hong Kong filmmaker Jun Li read a pro-Palestinian speech at the Berlinale, including the phrase 'from the river to the sea,' which is controversial and potentially punishable under German law.
The speech criticized Israel as a 'colonial settler state' and accused German institutions of complicity in alleged atrocities against Palestinians, prompting mixed reactions from the audience.
The Berlin State Office of Criminal Investigation has launched an inquiry into whether the speech violated Germany's laws on hate speech and banned symbols or slogans.
Berlin politician Dirk Stettner has called for the withdrawal of the Berlinale's €2M annual funding, accusing the festival of providing a platform for anti-Israel sentiment.
The Berlinale leadership emphasized its commitment to freedom of speech and respectful dialogue while reiterating its stance against antisemitism and other forms of discrimination.