Wenders defends 'antidote' remark as Gyllenhaal offers contrasting view
7 sourcesUpdated Sep 9, 2026
Wim Wenders clarified comments that sparked controversy at the Berlin Film Festival, saying he was not arguing that filmmakers should avoid politics altogether. Rather, he said filmmakers are distinct from politicians because they work through empathy and seek to change society rather than simply confirm existing conditions. His original remarks, made amid debate over Germany’s support for Israel during the Gaza war, were widely interpreted as urging filmmakers to stay out of politics and drew criticism from figures including author Arundhati Roy. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival while presenting a documentary about architect Peter Zumthor, Wenders said filmmakers should not adopt a political mindset and described them as “the antidote” to politics. Venice jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal offered a contrasting view, saying films are fundamentally political.
Where do you stand?
How it spread
What each side asserts, disputes — or leaves out entirely.
Whose framing of this story rings truest to you?
Free account · your comment posts right after signup
Gyllenhaal's pushback probably reflects how actors feel the political weight more directly than a director explaining his intent afterward.
Funny how "misunderstood" always seems to happen right after backlash hits. Still, empathy vs politics is a fair point to make.
