LONDON: The 74th Berlin International Film Festival, which opens on Thursday, says it is aiming to foster “open dialogue” surrounding Israel’s war on Gaza, the Independent reported on Wednesday.
Festival directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian, who have announced their departure following this festival, said that they were “concerned to see that antisemitism, anti-Muslim resentment and hate speech are spreading in Germany and around the world” when they introduced this year’s program.
This year has seen a plethora of films and documentaries that support the desire for dialogue, including the documentary “No Other Land.”
The documentary, produced by a Palestinian-Israeli collective, delves into the violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and portrays the unexpected bond between a Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist.
The Berlinale has also collaborated with social activists to launch the “Tiny Space” project, which features a small, intimate cabin set up for several days near the red carpet where festivalgoers can discuss and debate the Middle East crisis, the Independent reported.
Despite these initiatives, the festival faces criticism and boycotts from artists opposing Germany’s support of Israel, including Ghanaian director Ayo Tsalithaba and Indian American artist Suneil Sanzgiri.
Meanwhile, the festival, which has long supported Iranian directors, has pleaded with Tehran to allow directing duo Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha to participate this year.
The Iranian directors, known for their critical eye on societal issues, are barred from leaving Iran due to a travel ban imposed by Tehran, complicating their plans to showcase “My Favourite Cake.”
This film, competing for the Golden Bear, narrates a woman’s quest to embrace her freedom in a restrictive regime. Moghaddam and Sanaeeha’s plight underscores the festival's broader theme of artistic expression amidst political turmoil.
Berlin film festival to foster ‘open dialogue’ around Israel’s war on Gaza
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Berlin film festival to foster ‘open dialogue’ around Israel’s war on Gaza
- Program includes documentary produced by a Palestinian-Israeli collective
Air Canada suspends Cuba flights citing airport fuel shortage
- Jet fuel shortage linked to US blocking Venezuelan oil exports
- Cuba historically relies on Venezuela for jet fuel supply
MONTREAL: Air Canada said it was suspending service to Cuba from Monday due to a lack of guaranteed fuel supply at airports in the country, where US pressure has created an oil crisis.
“It is projected that as of February 10 aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the island’s airports,” Air Canada said in a statement, announcing it would be sending empty flights to Cuba over the coming days to repatriate people already there.
Cuba warned international airlines that jet fuel will no longer be available on the island beginning on Tuesday in the latest sign of fast-worsening conditions as the United States moves to cut off the communist-run nation’s oil supply. The shortfall is set to last from February 10 through March 11, according to a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM) published late on Sunday, and comes just two days after top officials said air travel would not be impacted by a fuel rationing plan announced on Friday.
Cuba has historically relied on Venezuela to provide much of its jet fuel, but the Caribbean island nation has not received any crude or refined products from its top ally since mid-December, when the US moved to block the South American nation’s exports.
US president Donald Trump has since vowed Cuba would receive no more oil from Venezuela and has threatened to slap tariffs on any nation sending fuel to Cuba, effectively cutting off the island’s supply of aviation gas.
Such shortfalls are not new to Cuba and many airlines already have plans in place to deal with them.
A similar crisis last year, as well as others recently, have prompted many carriers to refuel in nearby third countries, including Panama, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and the United States.
Most airline flights into Havana appeared on time and on schedule on Monday morning.
An early morning COPA airlines flight to Panama departed on time Monday, and several American Airlines flights were slated to arrive later in the day, airport officials confirmed to Reuters.
None of the major carriers servicing Cuba have yet commented on the situation.
