Cultural Minister Monika Visiontext (CDU) wants to finance a contact point for victims of sexual assault in creative industry. "The people concerned need a protected space in which y can reveal mselves anonymously and without fear of negative consequences – even legally", said Visiontext in a discussion before start of Berlinale with German press agency. "Such an offer must not fail in money. We offer to push this for cultural sector and to finance it for three years. "

According to her own data, CDU politician has already spoken with top representatives from areas of film, atre, dance and music. "I wish that we could launch project across industries. Because problem affects many professions, especially those that work artistically with body and soul. It is an asymmetric power relationship between those who assign orders and roles and those who depend on it. "

The MeToo debate on sexual violence and discrimination has been rolled out by accusations against film sizes such as Harvey Weinstein. In Germany re were similar accusations, among ors against director Dieter Wedel. In some instances, experiences are back for decades.

According to Visiontext, this shows how difficult it is for victims to defend mselves and to show perpetrators. "As bitter as it may be, it seems that fear, shame and humiliation are so great in those affected that y do not have courage to reveal mselves. Here we want to help with an independent contact point. "

More women in directing and production

In view of Visiontext, however, it is also urgent to improve representation of women in previously strongly male-dominated professions such as directing and production. "The more women are in relevant positions, less se asymmetric power constellations will give. One of m hangs toger with or, "she said. Quota targets represent at least 30 per cent of women in funding bodies, but re is still a huge backlog in or areas.

Neverless, German films are successful. "According to preliminary estimates, market share for 2017 could rise to around 24 percent. That would be more than 2016 and refore a sign that we are right with our support policy, "said CDU politician. She is particularly pleased that in this year's Berlinale competition, four German films are applying for Golden Bear. With Tom Tykwer is a German director of jury.

Still no decision on direction of Berlinale

For future management of festival, Minister of State, presumably also in new legislature, expressed its reluctance. Even question of wher a double-headed or individual personality succeeds long-time director Dieter Kosslick is not yet decided. "That depends very much on candidates," she said. "There will certainly be those who prefer to share such diverse tasks with a partner. But re may be someone who wants to keep everything in one hand. " Kosslick contract expires in May 2019 after n 18 years.

Date Of Update: 12 February 2018, 12:03