Berlinale, Berlin’s prestigious film festival, is known for its political undertones and independent cinema.
In an exclusive conversation with The Sunday Guardian, Dr Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India, shared his insights on Berlinale’s legacy, the political nature of cinema, Indian architecture, and the enduring cultural ties between Germany and India. A passionate art historian, Ambassador Ackermann’s deep appreciation for India’s artistic and cinematic contributions reveals a vision for strengthened Indo-German collaborations.
Berlinale, Berlin’s prestigious film festival, is known for its political undertones and independent cinema. Reflecting on the festival’s legacy, Ambassador Ackermann noted, “Berlinale has always been more than just a film festival. It has been a political statement, a cultural melting pot that invites global perspectives.” He emphasized that unlike other major festivals, Berlinale is open to the public, creating an inclusive space for cinephiles.
Discussing this year’s festival highlights, he touched upon the presence of Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet and the honour bestowed upon Tilda Swinton. “Swinton’s acceptance speech made waves, particularly for her views on the BDS movement, which remains a contentious issue in Germany. However, if you want a politically active festival, you have to be ready for diverse perspectives, even when they are uncomfortable.”
The conversation also explored last year’s Berlinale controversies and the ongoing debates surrounding the festival’s political stance. Ambassador Ackermann acknowledged, “While the discourse can be harsh, it also reflects the freedom of speech that Germany upholds. Berlinale remains a vibrant platform for cinematic expression and political dialogue.”
Shifting to Indian architecture, Ambassador Ackermann expressed admiration for the late Pritzker Prize-winning architect Balkrishna Doshi, particularly his collaboration with legendary painter M.F. Husain. “Doshi’s work is a fascinating blend of modernism and Indian tradition. His collaboration with Husain in creating ‘Amdavad ni Gufa’ was extraordinary. When Husain realized there were no straight walls to hang his paintings, he simply began painting on the walls themselves,” he recalled with a chuckle.
His reverence for Indian architectural heritage extended to Ahmedabad’s Mill Owners’ Association Building, designed by Le Corbusier, which he praised as “one of the finest examples of modernist architecture.” Ambassador Ackermann highlighted the unique vision of Gujarati industrialists in commissioning such ground-breaking designs. “No German business association in the 1960s would have asked Le Corbusier to build their headquarters. This speaks volumes about India’s progressive architectural vision,” he remarked.
The conversation naturally veered towards Indo-German artistic collaborations. Ambassador Ackermann highlighted the deep-rooted cultural exchanges dating back to the early years of Indian cinema. “Germans played a pivotal role in shaping Bollywood. Himansu Rai, a pioneer of Indian cinema, was closely associated with German filmmaker Franz Osten and the German cinematographer Josef Wirsching. The cultural symbiosis has been extraordinary.”
He also shed light
Discussing Indo-German cinema collaborations, he underscored the need for more accessibility to German filming locations for Indian filmmakers. “There should be subsidies and incentives to encourage Indian filmmakers to explore German landscapes. The cultural bridge between our two countries can only grow stronger through such initiatives.”
Ambassador Ackermann lauded the role of Goethe-Institutes in India, stating that their presence ensures sustained cultural dialogue. He also emphasized Germany’s participation in events like the Jaipur Literature Festival and the Kolkata Book Fair. “It’s not just about Indian students going to Germany; we need more Germans coming to India to immerse themselves in its culture. The exchange must be two-way.”
One of the most anticipated events is the ongoing visit of legendary filmmaker Wim Wenders. “It’s a momentous occasion. Wenders’ films have had a profound influence on global cinema, and I am sure his visit is going to further cement Indo-German cultural ties,” he said enthusiastically.
The discussion concluded on an optimistic note, with Ambassador Ackermann reaffirming Germany’s commitment to strengthening artistic and cinematic exchanges with India. “Art, architecture, and cinema transcend borders. India and Germany have a shared cultural history, and we must continue to nurture this bond.”
With visionary efforts like Berlinale, Indo-German artistic programs, and the relentless pursuit of cultural preservation, the stage is set for a deeper, more meaningful artistic collaboration between the two nations.