A planned Jewish film festival in the Swedish city of Malmö has been canceled after no cinema agreed to host it. Organizers of the International Jewish Film Festival had planned a four-day event to celebrate 250 years of Jewish life in Sweden, featuring films including depictions of ultra-Orthodox communities in Jerusalem’s Mea She’arim neighborhood.
Organizers told Swedish media that the festival was “rejected by all commercial cinemas in the city.” The refusal shocked both festival planners and local officials. “Some cited security concerns. They’re afraid something might happen,” one organizer said. “I don’t understand what kind of threat could come from screening Jewish films.”
Co-organizer Sofia Nerbrand said police had even offered to provide security outside theaters. “The festival must now be canceled because no cinema dares to rent out its space,” she said. “It’s outrageous that Sweden cannot protect moviegoers interested in Jewish films.”
Sweden’s Minister of Culture, Parisa Liljestrand, condemned the development. “The fact that one of our national minorities feels so vulnerable, and that organizers believe they cannot hold cultural events with Jewish content, is a complete disaster for society,” she said.
Liberal Party leader Simona Mohamsson added: “If we are serious about ensuring Jews in Sweden feel safe, we must end the culture where victims are expected to retreat in the face of their aggressors. Those who glorify terror and persecute Jews have no place here.”
At least five cinemas operate in Malmö, including one owned by Sweden’s largest theater chain, Filmstaden, which said it declined to host the event due to “safety concerns.” The Folketshus Theater also refused to participate, citing the same reason.