Jewish Film Festival in Malmö Canceled After Cinemas Cite Security Fears
A planned Jewish film festival in Malmö, Sweden, has been canceled after every cinema in the city refused to host it, citing concerns over safety and potential threats. The decision has sparked a national outcry, with government officials warning that the situation represents a dangerous failure to uphold cultural freedom and minority rights.
The International Jewish Film Festival, meant to celebrate 250 years of Jewish life in Sweden, was scheduled as a four-day event showcasing films exploring Jewish identity and culture, including depictions of ultra-Orthodox communities in Jerusalem’s Mea She’arim neighborhood.
However, organizers said all commercial cinemas in Malmö declined to participate. “Some cited security concerns. They’re afraid something might happen,” one organizer told Swedish media. “I don’t understand what kind of threat could come from screening Jewish films.”
Co-organizer Sofia Nerbrand said the festival was forced to cancel despite offers from police to provide security. “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.”
The city of Malmö has a long history of Jewish cultural activity but has also faced rising antisemitic incidents in recent years, prompting national debate over the safety of Jewish citizens and the strength of Sweden’s commitment to pluralism and free expression.
Sweden’s Minister of Culture, Parisa Liljestrand, condemned the cancellations in stark terms. “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.
Simona Mohamsson, leader of Sweden’s Liberal Party, echoed the criticism: “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.”
Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city, has at least five cinemas, including one operated by Filmstaden, the country’s largest theater chain. Filmstaden confirmed that it declined to host the event due to “safety concerns,” while the Folketshus Theater cited the same reason.
The cancelation has reignited concerns about the chilling effect of fear and antisemitism on cultural life in Europe. Critics argue that allowing intimidation to silence a Jewish cultural event undermines democratic values and emboldens intolerance.
