A Jewish film festival scheduled to take place in Malmö, Sweden, from November 29 to December 2, 2023, has been postponed indefinitely following security concerns raised by local cinemas. Organizers confirmed that several venues have declined to host the screenings, citing safety as a primary issue.
Sofia Nerbrand, one of the festival’s organizers, expressed her frustration on social media platform X, stating that “no cinema dares to rent out its premises” for the event. She highlighted that Folkets Hus, which initially agreed to participate, has since withdrawn due to security fears. “It is outrageous if Sweden cannot protect cinema-goers who are interested in Jewish film. … We can’t have it like this,” she wrote.
The Jewish International Film Festival, which began last year, was set to celebrate 250 years of Jewish life in Sweden. Despite this setback, Nerbrand, along with other cultural advocates, remains determined to find an alternative venue. “We MUST arrange the Jewish film festival in Malmö,” she stated on X, asserting the necessity of creating a safe space for cultural expression. Many supporters have reached out, offering encouragement and suggestions for potential locations.
In her remarks, Nerbrand pointed out the broader implications of the situation, emphasizing that violent antisemitism poses a significant societal challenge beyond the Jewish community. “It’s not just about Jews, but about Sweden,” she stated, underscoring the need for collective awareness and action against such issues.
Another organizer, Ola Tedin, voiced her confusion regarding the security concerns, telling Swedish broadcaster SVT, “I don’t understand what security threat there could be with showing Jewish films.” The festival organizers issued a statement indicating that they have faced significant difficulties in securing venues, reporting that they have been “stonewalled by all commercial and arthouse cinemas in the city.”
Before pursuing new venue options, the festival team plans to take a brief pause to regroup and strategize. The Swedish cinema chain Filmstaden released a statement affirming its commitment to safety, noting, “Our priority is always to ensure a safe and positive experience for both our guests and employees.”
As the festival’s organizers navigate these challenges, the future of the event remains uncertain, but their resolve to celebrate Jewish culture in Sweden continues to resonate with supporters.
