A recent open letter signed by 300 prominent film professionals, including Martin Scorsese and Olivier Assayas, expresses their support for Carlo Chatrian, the outgoing Artistic Director of the Berlinale. The letter calls for Chatrian’s contract to be reinstated and extended beyond 2024. Chatrian’s decision to step down came after the German Ministry for Culture and Media decided to eliminate the Berlinale’s dual management structure, a move that he saw as rendering his position obsolete. This has sparked a fierce debate over the festival’s future and the role of its leadership.
The open letter is addressed to German Culture Minister Claudia Roth, whom the signatories accuse of displaying “harmful, unprofessional, and immoral behavior” by pressuring Chatrian to step down despite promises to extend his contract. The letter highlights Chatrian’s contributions as the festival’s Artistic Director, emphasizing his dedication to showcasing diverse and innovative cinema, challenging stereotypes, and fostering connections between different strands of filmmaking. It argues that Chatrian’s leadership has been vital in maintaining the festival’s vitality and popularity, even amid challenging circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic and financial constraints.
Carlo Chatrian’s resignation coincided with the announcement of his co-head, Mariette Rissenbeek, stepping down as the executive director after the 2024 edition of the Berlinale. Rissenbeek, the first woman to head the festival, had joined Chatrian in a joint management structure in 2018. Together, they navigated the complexities of organizing the festival during the pandemic, adapting to online and hybrid editions. Under their guidance, the Berlinale continued to showcase high-quality films and even awarded critically acclaimed works.
While Chatrian and Rissenbeek’s leadership was praised by many, their departure has raised concerns about the festival’s future direction. The German Culture Minister’s push for a single director, referred to as an “Intendant,” has drawn criticism, with no clear alternative vision or plan presented. The film professionals who signed the open letter believe that Chatrian’s tenure should be extended, and that the damage caused by his forced departure needs to be repaired. They underscore the importance of the Berlinale as an essential platform for international cinema and express their frustration with the lack of support for Chatrian’s artistic vision.
The open letter serves as a rallying cry for the film community to voice their support for Carlo Chatrian and their desire for continuity at the Berlinale. It urges the German Culture Minister and festival organizers to reconsider the decision to dissolve the Artistic Director position and to recognize the value of Chatrian’s artistic approach. The signatories make it clear that the festival’s reputation and legacy are at stake, and that the removal of Chatrian would be a significant setback for the Berlinale and the film industry as a whole.
As the debate over the Berlinale’s leadership continues, the film community awaits a response from the German Culture Minister and festival organizers. The open letter and the widespread support for Chatrian demonstrate the impact he has had on the festival and the high regard in which he is held by his peers. Ultimately, the decision to reinstate Chatrian or pursue a different direction will shape the future of the Berlinale, influencing its ability to champion diverse cinematic voices and maintain its standing as one of the world’s preeminent film festivals.