Festival sources tell us the decision was finalized today byBerlinaleco-heads Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek.
Emails have just gone out to staff.
The industry outcry over the AfDs presence at the Berlinale opening ceremony has been extensive.
The Berlinale International Film FestivalFranziska Krug/Getty Images for AUDI AG
As the above statement notes, anger was also growing among the Berlinale staff.
Our concern is the reputation of our industry and our country, the letter said of the invites.
We stand for a diverse society and artistic freedom.
The officials of this party are therefore not welcome at our events.
The WaveandDas Bootseries director Dennis Gansel became the most prominent voice in the German industry tocall out the festivalsinvitation.
Organizers claimed that it was festival protocol to invite democratically elected members of parliament to the opening ceremony.
Today, the directors of the Berlinale have decided to disinvite the five previously invited AfD politicians.
For decades, the Berlinale has been committed to democratic values and against all forms of right-wing extremism.
The film programme and the Berlinale as a cultural institution stand for this.
The discussion on how to deal with AfD politicians also affects many other organisations and festivals.
This debate must be conducted across society as a whole and together with all democratic parties.
