Israel’s film community – led by a group of film institutes, film festivals and film funds – have thrown their support behind embattled Berlin Film Festival chief Tricia Tuttle in a letter sent to the festival’s governing body.
The letter, whose signatories include the heads of Docaviv Film Festival, Jerusalem Film Festival, Haifa Film Festival and the Israel Film Fund, was sent yesterday to the KBB supervisory board, which oversees the Berlinale.
It states, “We wish to highlight her commitment to diversity of voices, non-censorship and creating a space of open debate to all voices. We deeply value her continued commitment to hearing and showing Israeli cinema.”
While some festivals, like the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, have taken a hard line against Israeli films and producers, Berlin has invited some of that country’s filmmakers, including Assaf Machnes, a Berlinale Talent alum, whose film “Where To,” produced out of Germany and made with Palestinian collaborators, played in the Perspectives section.
“The Berlinale doesn’t boycott culture workers,” Tuttle told Variety. “Artists are the people who can hold a mirror up and ask difficult questions. Isolation is not the answer.”
Here’s the letter in full:
Date: February 25, 2026
To: KBB Supervisory board
Ms. Charlotte Sieben
From: The Israeli Film Institutes, Festivals, and Film Funds
Re: Formal Expression of Support for Festival Director Tricia Tuttle
The undersigned, representatives of the Israeli film community—including its primary film funds, major international festivals, and cinematic institutes—are writing to formally express our deep appreciation and steadfast support for Tricia Tuttle’s leadership of the Berlin International Film Festival.
The past two years have been characterized by unprecedented global political turmoil, especially so in our region, which has inevitably bled into the cultural and cinematic spheres. Navigating these complexities requires more than just administrative skill; it requires a profound commitment to the integrity of art. We have watched with great respect as Tricia Tuttle has steered the Berlinale through these turmoil with a clear-sighted dedication to the festival’s mission.
In particular, we wish to highlight her commitment to diversity of voices, non-censorship and creating a space of open debate to all voices. We deeply value her continued commitment to hearing and showing Israeli cinema. By providing a platform for our filmmakers, she has ensured that the multifaceted reality of Israeli society continues to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the world.
The Berlinale has long been a home for Israeli filmmakers. Under Tricia Tuttle’s guidance, we feel confident that the festival remains a place where the power of the moving image transcends rhetoric and fosters genuine human connection.
Sincerely,
Yoav Abramovich – CEO – Rabinovich foundation – Israel Cinema project
Limor Aharonovich – festival director, Michal Weitz – artistic director Docaviv festival
Oshrit Bitton, Daniel Gat – co-managers – Tel-Aviv International Students film festival
Ruth Diskin – CEO and Artistic Director – Gesher Multicultural Film Fund
Amit Goren – CEO and Artistic Director – Makor Foundation
Pnina Halfon-Lang, artistic director – Co-Pro Foundation
Roni Mahadav-Levin – Executive director – Jerusalem Film Festival, Jerusalem Cinematheque
Dr. Noa Regev – CEO – Israel film fund
Yaron Shamir – Manager – Haifa Film Festival, Haifa Cinematheque
Eyal Shirai – Manager – Arava Film Festival
Orel Turner – CEO – The New Fund for Cinema and Television