The Berlinale has become the latest major European film festival to withdraw from social media platform X.
In a statement released on Monday, the Berlin Film Festival said it had “decided to say goodbye to X on December 31, 2024” and shift its social media focus to other social media platforms. “Stay connected with all things Berlinale via Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and our website,” the post concluded.
The article did not elaborate on the reasons for X’s exodus, but the political leanings of Chief Executive Musk, one of the most prominent backers of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, may have been a factor. Since Musk acquired X (formerly Twitter) in late 2022, the platform has become increasingly open to right-wing and far-right voices, at odds with European cultural institutions like the Berlin Film Festival, which have traditionally positioned themselves Considered progress. hollywood reporter The Berlinale has been asked to clarify the reasons for his departure from X, but has yet to receive a response.
Musk has not been shy about weighing in on German political issues, regularly retweeting and commenting on posts supporting the far-right Alternative for Germany party and its anti-immigration policies.
Earlier this year, longtime Venice Film Festival president Alberto Barbera publicly quit Re-identify with the goals and objectives of this platform,” which is obviously a clear decision. refers to the political shift in the platform under Musk.
The Venice art director did not elaborate on specific comments from Musk, who acquired X in October 2022, that prompted him to take the action.
