Art and Activism: Hiam Abbass's Bold Stand at the Berlin Film Festival

At this year's Berlin Film Festival, a heated debate erupted over the role of politics in cinema.

Hiam Abbass: Art and Politics Are Intertwined

Hiam Abbass, a well-known French-Palestinian actress, strongly believes that art and politics are deeply intertwined. She is currently showcasing two films at the festival, both carrying powerful political messages.

During a press conference, jury president Wim Wenders sparked controversy by stating that cinema should not delve into politics. Abbass, however, disagrees. She argues that many in the film industry lack the courage to address pressing political issues. Despite this, she acknowledges that Wenders's comments were taken out of context, as he did acknowledge cinema's potential to drive change.

Amplifying Marginalized Voices

Abbass is proud to see filmmakers at this year's festival amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. She believes that avoiding these topics would be a disservice to art.

Her two films at the festival tackle sensitive issues:

• "In a Whisper" explores LGBTQ life in Tunisia.
• "Only Rebels Win" delves into the complexities of interfaith and intercultural relationships in Beirut.

Filmmaking Amidst Conflict

The production of "Only Rebels Win" faced significant challenges due to the Israeli bombardments in Beirut. The team had to relocate to a studio near Paris, turning the film into an act of resistance. Abbass's commitment to the project remained unwavering, highlighting her dedication to storytelling that matters.

Previous Work: "Palestine 36"

Before this, Abbass worked on "Palestine 36", a film about the 1936 Palestinian uprising. The production faced delays due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The team eventually decided to shoot in Jordan instead of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Abbass praised the Academy's decision to include three Palestinian films in its shortlist for best international feature film, calling it a sign of open-mindedness.