Tricia Tuttle, the director of the Berlinale, criticized U.S. Vice‑President J.D. Vance and entrepreneur Elon Musk for their handling of free‑speech issues. Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, she emphasized that the free exchange of ideas is essential and that freedom of expression must be defended. Tuttle said a boundary exists only when speech becomes hateful and discriminatory, and she added that Vance and Musk “clearly do not see these limits”.
She highlighted the festival’s own responsibility for shaping the atmosphere of dialogue. “Ultimately, it is up to us, to the Berlinale, to establish a culture of conversation that remains respectful” she noted. Tuttle also clarified that politics has not censored the festival. “I have met many politicians. Each has their own views, but no one wants to cross the line and censor us” she said.
Tuttle spoke positively about the new Minister for Culture, Wolfram Weimer, who succeeded Claudia Roth. “He may surprise me even more than she-because until now he has had little connection to culture and film” she said. Both ministers, she added, are “very supportive”. Weimer appears to understand how the festival’s leadership is trying to refresh, develop, and future‑proof the Berlinale.