German position on Israel-Gaza debate ‘putting artists off’ film festival

Berlinale head, Tricia Tuttle, says some artists fear criticism of Israeli actions will be condemned as antisemitism

A polarised debate about Gaza in Germany is leading some artists to shun one of the world’s top film festivals, its new director has said.

Tricia Tuttle, the head of the Berlin international film festival, said a perception that Germany had been overzealous in its policing of speech about the Middle East conflict, and controversy over this year’s awards ceremony, were having an impact as she planned her first edition.