Berlin Film Festival Off to a Political Start as Three Protests Precede Opening Ceremony

After kicking off with a feisty press conference, the Berlin Film Festival got even more political as three groups of protesters descended on Potsdamer Platz before the start of opening night festivities.

The first saw around 50 members of the film industry walk the red carpet holding hands. The demonstrators then turned on their phone flashlights and chanted “defend democracy!” while the same phrase was displayed on the Palast’s big screen. The red carpet’s music was turned off for the occasion, and the demonstrators wore pins stating “movies unite, hate divides.” Berlinale organizers had planned this demonstration to highlight their decision to disinvite members of the far-right political party AfD.

More from Variety

• Alex Cox Directing Kiowa Gordon in 'Repo Man 2: The Wages of Beer' for Buffalo 8 Productions (EXCLUSIVE)

• RAI Cinema Launches Standalone Film Sales Unit at EFM With Lineup Toplined by Berlin Title 'Gloria!'

• Sharmila Tagore in Suman Ghosh's Berlin EFM Indian Title 'Puratawn,' First Look Unveiled (EXCLUSIVE)

Among the talent was Jonathan Berlin, Meret Becker, Luisa Gaffron, Pegah Ferydoni, Roshanak Khodabakhsh Anne Leppin, Jannis Niewöhner, Murali Perumal, Katja Riemann, Lavinia Wilson and Jessica Schwarz.

“By disinviting the AfD, the Berlinale has clearly positioned itself against the right wing extremism in Germany. On the opening night, the Berlinale is inviting a group of filmmakers to the red darpet to take a stand for democracy, diversity and peaceful togetherness,” said the organizers of the Berlinale, which stands as one of the world’s top three film festivals alongside Cannes and Venice.

The Berlinale found itself in hot water over the inclusion of the far-right politicians, and after widespread backlash, the fest announced on Feb. 8 that they had withdrawn their invitation.

Elsewhere on Potsdamer Platz, two other groups held protests — one featured a group of art workers holding up signs that read “no seats for fascists anywhere,” and another was organized by film industry workers who demanded better working conditions.

Later on, red carpet attendees protested in the form of fashion, with actress Pheline Roggan sporting a necklace proclaiming “Fck AfD” and model Papis Loveday holding a sign that said “No racism! No AfD!”

The Berlinale’s rescinded invitation to AfD members was a hot topic of Thursday morning’s international jury press conference, with president Lupita Nyong’o being asked if she would still have attended the opening ceremony had the politicians’ invite remained.

“I’m a foreigner here. I don’t know the ins and outs of the political situation here,” Nyong’o said. “I’m glad I don’t have to answer that question. I’m glad I don’t have to be in that position.”

But jury member Christian Petzold, the German director of “Barbara” and “Phoenix,” had a different perspective.

“I think it’s not a problem to have five persons of the AfD in the audience,” he said. “We are no cowards. If you can’t stand five persons of the AfD as part of the audience, we will lose our fight.”

Cillian Murphy movie “Small Things Like These” will open the Berlin Film Festival on Thursday night, with the “Oppenheimer” Oscar nominee in attendance.

The Berlinale runs from Feb. 15-25.

Best of Variety

• New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 

• Oscars: Best Actress - Lily Gladstone and Emma Stone In a Race Too Close to Call, With Third Party Candidates Brewing

• Oscars: Best Actor - Paul Giamatti Leads the Race, but Keep Close Eye on SAG to Determine Ultimate Victor

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.