Overview
- Prominent figures, including Andrea Sawatzki and Ulrich Matthes, held signs on the Berlinale red carpet calling for the release of Israeli hostage David Cunio.
- Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle joined the tribute, displaying a sign reading 'Bring David Cunio Home' and publicly apologized for the festival's prior inaction on his case.
- David Cunio, an actor and former Berlinale participant, has been held captive by Hamas in Gaza, alongside his brother Ariel Cunio.
- A documentary titled 'Michtav Le'David. A Letter to David,' which focuses on Cunio's life, is being screened at this year's festival.
- Ahead of the opening gala, a small vigil near the Berlinale-Palast gathered participants holding banners to raise awareness about Cunio and other hostages.