A Jewish film festival scheduled to take place in Malmö, Sweden, from November 29 to December 2, 2023, has been postponed indefinitely due to local cinemas expressing safety concerns. Organizers of the Jewish International Film Festival reported that they faced significant challenges in securing venues for the event, as many cinemas were unwilling to host the screenings.
Sofia Nerbrand, one of the festival’s organizers, confirmed the situation through a post on social media platform X. She noted that “no cinema dares to rent out its premises” for the festival. Notably, Folkets Hus, which had previously committed to hosting the event, withdrew its support citing security reasons. Nerbrand described the predicament as “outrageous,” emphasizing that it is unacceptable for Sweden to fail in protecting cinema-goers interested in Jewish film.
The festival, which celebrates 250 years of Jewish life in Sweden, was initiated last year and aims to highlight Jewish culture through film. Despite the setback, Nerbrand, along with other cultural advocates in Sweden, remains determined to find a solution. She expressed that “we MUST arrange the Jewish film festival in Malmö” and asserted that it must be possible to locate an appropriate venue. Many supporters have reached out with encouragement and practical suggestions, which Nerbrand believes offers hope.
In her comments, she also highlighted a broader issue, stating, “More people must realize that violent anti-Semites are a serious societal problem,” warning that such attitudes contribute to an atmosphere of fear and silence. She stressed that the implications extend beyond the Jewish community to all of Sweden.
Another festival organizer, Ola Tedin, shared her confusion regarding the perceived security threat, telling SVT that she does not understand the basis for the concerns surrounding the screening of Jewish films. The festival’s organizers indicated that they have been “stonewalled by all commercial and arthouse cinemas in the city,” complicating their efforts to find alternative locations.
Before seeking new venues, the festival’s team plans to take time to regroup and strategize. The Swedish cinema chain Filmstaden issued a statement expressing its commitment to ensuring a safe environment for guests and employees, which may have contributed to the reluctance of cinemas to host the festival.
The postponement of the Jewish International Film Festival underscores the ongoing challenges faced by cultural events in the context of security concerns. As the organizers explore options for rescheduling, the situation raises questions about the safety of cultural expression in Sweden.
