Film artists criticize Berlinale festival over its position on Gaza

Dozens of film artists, including actors Javier Bardem and Tilda Swinton, have signed an open letter criticizing the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) for its "silence" on Gaza. The letter accuses the festival of not taking a stand against what it calls the "genocide of the Palestinians."

The Berlinale has rejected accusations of censorship, stating it is a platform for artistic expression and dialogue. The festival's official jury also declined to issue a statement condemning Israel, which was a point of contention for the signatories of the letter.