Arundhati Roy | anagrama
Roy, known globally for her Booker Prize-winning novel The God of Small Things, confirmed her departure from the jury of the Berlin International Film Festival on Saturday. In a public statement, she said comments made during internal deliberations about the conflict in Gaza were inconsistent with her principles.
The Berlin Film Festival, one of Europe’s most prominent cinematic events, has faced mounting pressure in recent years over political statements linked to the Israel-Gaza war. Cultural institutions across Europe have been drawn into heated debates over free speech, solidarity statements and accusations of bias.
Roy did not detail the exact remarks that prompted her resignation but said she could not continue serving after hearing what she described as troubling characterizations of the situation in Gaza. The conflict has divided artistic communities worldwide, with calls for ceasefires and counter-accusations over politicization of cultural platforms.
Festival organizers acknowledged her resignation and said the jury would continue its work as scheduled. The Berlinale jury is responsible for awarding top honors, including the Golden Bear, to competing films.
Roy has long been an outspoken critic of government policies and international power structures, often weighing in on global conflicts and human rights issues.
The Berlin Film Festival is set to continue screenings and jury deliberations in the coming days as the awards ceremony approaches.
