Wim Wenders clarifies remarks on filmmakers and politics

German director Wim Wenders has clarified his remarks regarding the relationship between cinema and politics following a controversy at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival while presenting his documentary on architect Peter Zumthor, Wenders addressed claims that he had suggested filmmakers should stay out of political affairs.

Wenders explained that his previous comments were misunderstood or misquoted. He stated that filmmakers are not politicians but rather the ‘antidote’ to politics, noting that while politics often seeks to confirm the status quo, filmmakers work with a mindset of empathy to drive change. He emphasized, “We are the opposite of politicians. We have empathy. Politicians work without empathy.”

The original controversy arose in February during his tenure as jury president at the Berlinale, specifically when asked about Germany’s stance on the Gaza war. His remarks led to significant debate, including protests and calls for boycotts within the film community. In response to the discussion in Venice, jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal noted that movies are “fundamentally, undeniably political.”