Ghanaian filmmaker Ayo Tsalithaba has decided to withdraw his film, “Atmospheric Arrivals,” from the Berlinale Film Festival in protest of Germany’s backing for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Tsalithaba announced his decision in a social media statement, expressing solidarity with more than 1,000 artists and cultural workers who have endorsed the STRIKE GERMANY call, citing objections to the German government’s alleged racist and fascist censorship, repression, and support for violence against Palestinians.
In his statement, Tsalithaba highlighted the German government’s endorsement of the US and UK military strikes on Yemen as part of the motivation behind his withdrawal from the festival.
Despite increasing public pressure, Germany has maintained steadfast support for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Cabinet members have consistently emphasized Germany’s unique responsibility towards Israel, shaped by its Nazi past.
A recent poll revealed that 61% of Germans consider Israel’s military actions in Gaza unjustified, citing the significant number of civilian casualties. Only 25% expressed support for Israel in the survey, indicating a considerable public divergence from the government’s stance.
