S Poddar
Tilda Swinton delivered a powerful speech at the Berlin Film Festival, where she publicly denounced what she called “state-perpetrated and internationally enabled mass murder.” The acclaimed British actress, famous for her fearless on-screen and off-screen persona, used the opportunity to speak out against global injustices as she received the highly esteemed Golden Bear for lifetime achievement.
Spokeswoman with fervor, Swinton directed her criticisms at the governing institutions of the world, which she condemned for their active involvement in ongoing human catastrophes. While she did not point fingers at specific conflicts or politicians, she inveighed against the “entitled domination” and “astonishing savagery of spite” she is convinced have created disastrous violence worldwide. She was adamant that they are not hypothetical concerns but tangible and urgent concerns, adding, “These are facts. They need to be faced.”
Swinton’s words struck a chord as she called on individuals to recognize the suffering caused to innocent lives by the actions of what she termed “greed-addicted governments.” She said, “The inhumane is being perpetrated on our watch,” emphasizing the importance of speaking out against injustice without fear. Her words were laced with profound frustration at world leaders who, in her opinion, are complicit in destroying the environment and committing war crimes.
One of the most dramatic moments of her speech was when she indirectly condemned former U.S. President Donald Trump’s contentious plan to rebuild Gaza as a luxury resort. She underscored the strength of independent film as a form of resistance, calling it “an unlimited realm, innately inclusive, immune to efforts of occupation, colonization, takeover, ownership, or the development of riviera property.” Her statement was greeted with a combination of awe and reflection, as the audience grasped the seriousness of her assertion.
The atmosphere at the festival had already become politically charged in the first place, especially with a vigil observed during the opening ceremony for Israeli actor David Cunio. Cunio, who had been taken captive during the attack on Israel in October 7, is still being held as a captive. The vigil saw prominent figures including artistic director Tricia Tuttle and actors Christian Berkel, Andrea Sawatzki, and Ulrich Matthes standing at attention holding up a picture of Cunio in support. The festival also featured a screening of the documentary “A Letter to David,” which brings Cunio’s story and the wider effects of the conflict to light.
The Berlin Film Festival itself has not been without controversy and criticism, especially regarding the current crisis in Gaza. In the 2024 edition, numerous participants expressed solidarity with Palestine, demanding a ceasefire and condemning Israel’s actions. This provoked the ire of German politicians, with Germany’s culture minister, Claudia Roth, calling the demonstrations “shockingly one-sided and marked by profound hatred of Israel.” The row even prompted some filmmakers to pull out in fear of censorship or political repercussions.
Swinton, though, defied calls from the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement to stay away in protest. Discussing this choice at a press conference, she said she has a deep respect for BDS and its activities but felt that her attendance at the festival would be more influential. “I’m a huge admirer of and have tremendous respect for BDS, and I think about it a lot,” she said. “I’m here today – yesterday and tomorrow and the next day – because I made a decision to be here. I made a decision that it was more urgent for me to be here.”
She explained the personal nature of her decision, saying, “I was afforded, thanks to the festival, a platform which I made a personal decision was perhaps more valuable to all of our causes than me not showing up. It was a personal judgment call which I accept responsibility for.” Her words highlighted a belief in the value of active engagement over mere protest, which set off debate regarding the political activism role of artists and celebrities.
Swinton’s speech and attendance at the festival cemented her status as a vocal defender of justice. Her words challenged not only the political establishment but also encouraged viewers to consider their own agency in creating the world. By using the platform of the festival to speak to these urgent issues, she reminded audiences that film and activism are not separate entities.
Her presentation also spoke to a larger theme of artistic autonomy, pointing out the way that independent filmmaking provides a place where artists can work free from commercial or political interference. This focus on creative resistance struck deeply with the festival audience, especially at a time when many sense that artistic expression is being threatened by censorship and political agendas.
Swinton’s steadfast position contributes to a history of artists employing their voices to call out injustices. When politicians tend to be more concerned with profit and power than humanity, her voice acted as both a wake-up call and call to action for reform. Through both film and activism, Swinton established that silence is not a choice for individuals who bear witness to injustice in front of them.
As the Berlin Film Festival keeps stumbling through its own controversies, Swinton’s speech will always be remembered as a turning point—one that forced the film world and international viewers alike to be vigilant against complacency. Her bold words are a reminder that art is not merely entertainment but also resistance, truth, and struggle for a better world.
