Wenders, the famous German director, recently reiterated his controversial remarks about the relationship between film and politics at the Venice Film Festival. While presenting his new film about Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, he responded to criticisms and misunderstandings that had arisen regarding his views.
Difference in Perspective
During the Berlin Film Festival in February, Wenders told reporters that filmmakers "cannot really enter the political arena." This statement was made when he was asked about Germany's support for Israel during the Gaza war. However, in Venice, he explained that he meant "we are the opposite of politicians. We have empathy while politicians act without empathy."
Wenders emphasized that "we do not work with the mindset of politicians, but rather with the mindset of empathetic individuals. We seek change and do not want to be misquoted. We need to approach politics because we are anti-politics!"
Comments from Other Artists
At the opening press conference of the Venice Festival, Maggie Gyllenhaal, the head of the jury, also addressed this issue, stating that films are "fundamentally and undeniably political." The Gaza war has become a focal point of politics at European film festivals, and industry activists are frequently questioned about this topic.
Given the recent developments in Gaza and the differing opinions among artists, it seems that filmmakers are influential not only in the artistic realm but also in the political sphere. Wenders, as a significant figure in cinema, has once again brought this issue to the forefront and spoken about the potential of cinema to create social and political change.
