Neil Patrick Harris dodges U.S. politics debate at ‘Sunny Dancer’ presser

Neil Patrick Harris after politics questions in Berlin, insisting he’s ‘interested in things that are apolitical’

Neil Patrick Harris found himself fielding a wave of political questions at a Berlin Film Festival press conference for his new film Sunny Dancer, responding with visible surprise before stressing that he prefers projects that are not politically driven.

Appearing alongside Bella Ramsey and director George Jaques at the Berlinale event on February 13, Harris was asked whether cinema should take a stand against fascism and whether films have a responsibility to be political. The line of questioning quickly turned toward the current political climate in the United States.

Harris responded by saying, “I think we live in a strangely algorithmic and divided world right now, and so as artists, I’m always interested in doing things that are apolitical.” He continued, “Because we’re all, as humans, wanting to connect in some way.” Expanding on that thought, he added that when audiences gather to watch a film, they are caring about characters and human experiences rather than necessarily processing everything through a contemporary political lens.

The tone shifted further when a journalist described it as “embarrassing” to suggest a film is not political, particularly when access to healthcare and social systems can shape survival stories like the one depicted in Sunny Dancer. Another reporter then asked Harris directly whether he dared to criticise his government and whether democracy in the U.S. is in danger.

“Wow,” Harris began, pausing before choosing his words carefully. “While I have my own political opinions, I think as a performer, especially in this kind of movie, [I’m] trying to be as inclusive [as possible.] I never read this script as a political statement. It was much more about a human growing up and having realizations about themselves, singularly and [about] friendship.”

Jaques echoed that sentiment, arguing that optimism itself can be rebellious and explaining that the film was designed as a story about joy rather than ideology. Ramsey also spoke warmly about the experience of making the project in Scotland, calling it one of the most fulfilling professional periods of their career.

Clips from the press conference quickly circulated online, sparking debate about whether artists can or should separate their work from politics in today’s climate. Some praised Harris for attempting to steer the conversation back to the film’s themes of connection and personal growth, while others argued that public figures inevitably operate within political contexts whether they intend to or not.

For Harris, however, the message at Berlin was clear. He may hold private views, but when it comes to Sunny Dancer, he sees the story as a human one first.