Israel’s film community, led by a group of film associations, film festivals and film funds, expressed support for embattled Berlin Film Festival chief Tricia Tuttle in a letter to the governing body of the festival.
The letter, signed by the heads of the Dokaviv Film Festival, the Jerusalem Film Festival, the Haifa Film Festival and the Israel Film Fund, was sent yesterday to the KBB Audit Committee, which oversees the Berlinale.
“We would like to highlight her commitment to creating a forum for diverse voices, non-censorship, and open discussion to all voices. We deeply value her continued commitment to hearing and showing Israeli films.”
While some film festivals, such as the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival, have taken a hard line against Israeli films and producers, Berlin has invited filmmakers from the country, including Berlinale Talent alumnus Assaf Makness, whose film “Where To,” made in Germany with Palestinian collaborators, was screened in the Perspective section.
“The Berlinale does not boycott cultural workers,” Tuttle told Variety. “An artist is someone who can hold up a mirror and ask difficult questions. Isolation is not the answer.”
The full text of the letter is below:
Date: February 25, 2026
To KBB Audit Committee
Charlotte Sieben
Source: Israel Film Institute, Festival, Film Fund
Re: Official statement of support for Festival Director Tricia Tuttle
The undersigned representatives of the Israeli film community, including major film funds, major international film festivals, and film associations, are writing to formally express their deep appreciation and steadfast support for Tricia Tuttle’s leadership of the Berlin International Film Festival.
The past two years have been marked by unprecedented global political turmoil, which has inevitably also affected the cultural and cinematic realm, especially in our region. Dealing with these complex issues requires more than just management skills. It requires a deep commitment to artistic integrity. We have watched with great respect as Tricia Tuttle guided the Berlinale through this turmoil with a clear vision for the festival’s mission.
In particular, I would like to highlight her commitment to diversity of voice, non-censorship, and creating a forum for discussion open to all voices. We deeply value her ongoing commitment to hearing and showing Israeli films. By providing a platform for filmmakers, she has ensured that the multifaceted realities of Israeli society can continue to have a meaningful dialogue with the world.
The Berlinale has long been a home for Israeli filmmakers. Under Tricia Tuttle’s leadership, we are confident that the festival will continue to be a place where the power of video transcends rhetoric and fosters real relationships.
Sincerely,
Yoav Abramovich – CEO – Rabinovich Foundation – Israeli Film Project
Rimor Aharonović – Festival Director Michal Weitz – Dokaviv Festival Artistic Director
Osirit Bitton, Daniel Gat – Co-Manager – Tel Aviv International Student Film Festival
Ruth Diskin – Gesher Multicultural Film Fund CEO and Artistic Director
Amit Goren – CEO and Artistic Director – Makor Foundation
Pnina Halfon-Lang, Artistic Director – Co-Pro Foundation
Roni Mahadaf-Levin – Executive Director – Jerusalem Film Festival, Jerusalem Cinematheque
Dr. Noah Regev – CEO of the Israel Film Fund
Yaron Shamir – Manager – Haifa Film Festival, Haifa Cinematheque
Eyal Silai – Manager – Arava Film Festival
Orel Turner – CEO – New Fund for Film and Television
