Impactful Decision: Lupita Nyong’o’s Response to Berlinale Disinviting Far-Right Politicians from Opening Ceremony
During a press conference at Berlinale, Lupita Nyong’o spoke about the festival’s disinvitation of politicians from far-right group AfD. Nyong’o, the jury president, shared her perspective, acknowledging her foreigner status and expressing relief at not facing the dilemma of attending the ceremony with the politicians.
She was joined by a diverse jury including directors from Germany, Spain, the U.S., Italy, and Hong Kong, China, and a writer from Ukraine.
Petzold, a German director on the jury, diverged in opinion, stating that it would not be a problem to have AfD members in the audience and emphasizing the importance of standing up against them. He highlighted the need to not give them undue significance.
The Berlinale faced criticism for originally inviting the AfD politicians, a move that was met with strong opposition. The festival later revoked the invitation. It emphasized its commitment to a free and tolerant society and proclaimed its stand against right-wing extremism.
The Berlin Film Festival is scheduled to run from Feb. 15-25.
