Berlinale Opens with Tributes to Israeli Hostage David Cunio

The film festival highlights the plight of the actor held captive in Gaza, featuring a documentary about his life and public calls for his release.

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.