Festival management used the opening gala to make a plea against right-wing extremism. The background was a debate about the invitation and disinvitation of several AfD politicians.
Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth focused on conflicts and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Several people wore buttons with the inscription “Berlinale againstRight-wing Extremism�” Several people also carried signs in memory of the victims of the 2020 Hanau racist attack, the anniversary of which was February 19th.