The Berlin International Film Festival, known as the Berlinale, has faced backlash from film professionals after inviting two members of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to its opening ceremony on Feb. 15. The invitees, Kristin Brinker and Ronald Gläser, are elected members of the AfD and part of the Berlin State Parliament. 

The festival defended its decision, stating that it adheres to the protocol of inviting democratically elected politicians. The Berlinale receives substantial state funding, with around $14 million annually from the federal government.

The decision sparked outrage, leading to more than 200 film professionals signing an open letter protesting against the invitations. The letter argued that the presence of AfD politicians is “incompatible” with the Berlinale’s commitment to being a place of “empathy, awareness, and understanding.” It expressed concerns about the safety of attendees, particularly for marginalized communities who have faced persecution and genocide from far-right movements in Germany.

The film industry professionals called for the Berlinale to reconsider and rescind the invitations, citing the rise of far-right politics in Europe as a broader concern. The letter drew attention to the need to create a safe environment for attendees and criticized the festival for not aligning with its stated values.

The AfD is currently not part of the federal or state government in Germany, but it has been gaining support and is polling at around 20 percent nationwide. The party has faced accusations of promoting anti-immigrant, anti-Islamic, and ethno-nationalist ideologies. The Berlinale’s decision to invite AfD members reflects a broader challenge faced by progressive European film festivals in dealing with the rise of far-right politics.

In response to the criticism, the Berlinale issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to democratic values, opposing right-wing extremism, and rejecting exclusion and discrimination. The festival emphasized that individuals who act against fundamental values are not welcome, and it plans to convey this stance to the AfD representatives.