A Jewish film festival scheduled to take place in Malmö, Sweden, from November 29 to December 2, 2023, has been postponed indefinitely due to safety concerns expressed by local cinemas. Organizers reported that multiple venues have refused to screen the films, citing security issues as the primary reason for their withdrawal.
Sofia Nerbrand, one of the festival organizers, confirmed the postponement in a statement on social media platform X, revealing that “no cinema dares to rent out its premises” for the festival. She specifically mentioned that Folkets Hus, which had initially agreed to host the event, rescinded its offer due to these security concerns. Nerbrand expressed her outrage, stating, “It is outrageous if Sweden cannot protect cinema-goers who are interested in Jewish film. … We can’t have it like this.”
Festival’s Significance and Continuing Efforts
The festival was established last year to commemorate 250 years of Jewish life in Sweden. Despite this setback, Nerbrand and other cultural representatives in Sweden remain determined to proceed with the festival. “We MUST arrange the Jewish film festival in Malmö,” she emphasized in her post. “It must be possible to find a venue. Many engaged people have reached out during the day with everything from cheers to concrete suggestions. That still gives hope.”
Nerbrand further highlighted that the issue extends beyond the Jewish community, stating, “More people must realize that violent anti-Semites are a serious societal problem because they spread fear, silence, and appeasement. It’s not just about Jews, but about Sweden.”
Ola Tedin, another festival organizer, voiced her confusion regarding the security threats associated with screening Jewish films. In comments to Swedish broadcaster SVT, she remarked that she does not understand what risks are posed by the festival. According to the festival’s statement, organizers have faced significant challenges in securing venues, stating they have been “stonewalled by all commercial and arthouse cinemas in the city.”
Before seeking alternative locations for the festival, the organizers plan to take a moment to regroup and assess their options. In a statement issued on Saturday, Filmstaden, a prominent Swedish cinema chain, emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe environment, noting, “Our priority is always to ensure a safe and positive experience for both our guests and employees.”
The postponement of the Jewish International Film Festival underscores ongoing concerns about safety within cultural contexts, particularly for minority communities. As organizers continue their efforts, the hope remains that a solution can be found, allowing the festival to celebrate its mission of showcasing Jewish culture and history.
