Wim Wenders says: “Films can change the world, but not in a political way.” Berlin Film Festival

Veteran director Wim Wenders praised cinema’s power to help heal a broken planet as he presided over the jury at the Berlinale, the most politically charged of Europe’s big three international film festivals.

When asked about the role of films in today’s climate of war and social unrest, the Oscar-nominated author of “Wings of Desire” and “Perfect Days” said he sees filmmaking as an act of building bridges and generating empathy.

“Yes, films can change the world,” he told reporters in the German capital at the start of the 11-day event. “Not in a political way. No film has been able to change the idea of ​​any politician, but…we can change the idea that people have about the way they should live.”

In response to a specific question about German support for Israel during the Gaza war and “selective” solidarity with besieged peoples around the world, Wenders responded to the idea that the film industry or festival should actively take political positions.

He said: “We have to stay out of politics because if we make political films specifically, we are entering the field of politics.” “But we are a counterweight to politics, we are the opposite of politics. We have to do the work of the people, not the work of politicians.”

Polish producer Ewa Puszczyńska, a member of Wenders’ jury, called the wording of the question “unfair.”

She said: “Of course, we try to talk to people and make them think, but we cannot be responsible for what their decision will be, whether to support Israel or to support Palestine.”

“There are many wars where genocide has been committed, and we don’t talk about it…so that’s a complicated question and it’s a somewhat unfair question.”

The seven-member committee will choose from 22 films from around the world to receive the Golden and Silver Bear awards, which will be awarded at a gala ceremony on February 21.

The festival will open with “No Good Men” by Shahrbano Sadat, described as Afghanistan’s first romantic comedy, which will be screened out of competition.

The event, now in its 76th year, will roll out the red carpet for stars showcasing new work including Amy Adams, Channing Tatum, Pamela Anderson, Ashley Walters, Callum Turner, Ethan Hawke, Gemma Chan and Charli XCX.

Wenders noted that the bulk of the nearly 200 narrative and documentary films in the Berlinale program focus on the impact of geopolitical unrest and the struggle for rights around the world.

“Cinema has an incredible power to be compassionate and empathetic,” he said. “The news is not sympathetic. Politics is not sympathetic, but movies are. That is our duty.”

The Berlinale ranks alongside Cannes and Venice among the best film festivals in Europe.