Berlin festival provides counselling centre

BERLIN — The curtain has risen at the annual Berlin International Film Festival, but the first of the major European film festivals this year is overshadowed by the sexual abuse scandal that has hit the film industry in the United States and spread to other countries.

It unfolded after actors came out with allegations of rape and sexual harassment against Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein.

“The international resonance that MeToo has been met with has quickly made it obvious that the problem is not confined to Hollywood,” the festival organizers said in a statement. “Across the world, the individuals affected by such abuse have found the courage to go public with their stories.”

The organizers said they had created a special counselling centre at the festival, where both audience and participants of the festival could go if they experience or witness discrimination, harassment or abuse.

Germany has its own scandal. Dieter Wedel, a prolific director of German television dramas, resigned last month as head of a theatre festival following allegations of sexual misconduct. Several women claimed that he pressured them for sex. Wedel has denied the claims.

Germany’s Culture Minister Monika Gruetters announced on Thursday on the sidelines of the festival that her ministry will give 100,000 euros (about $155,000 Cdn) for a permanent counselling centre for victims of abuse in the media and film scene in Germany.

German director Tom Tykwer will head the jury at the Berlin festival’s 68th edition, which will run through Feb. 25.

Nineteen films are taking part in the competition for the coveted Golden Bear award which will be announced on Feb. 24. Isle of Dogs is the first animated film to open the festival.