A planned Jewish film festival to be held in Malmö Sweden, has had to be canceled due to security concerns. No theater in the city was willing to host the festival out of concern over protests or worse. The city is approximately 25% Muslim and has seen much unrest, violence, and anti-Israel agitation over the years. The once vibrant Jewish community has dwindled over the years due to safety concerns, and a soccer match involving an Israeli team had to be played before an empty, closed-off stadium several years back.
The article below from SVT is translated by Fousesquawk. Later today, we should have an English-subtitled version of the video in the article available.
Caption: Sofia Nerbrand and Ola Tedin are forced to cancel the planned Jewish film festival this fall. No theater will step up.
Jewish film festival is canceled in Malmö - Theaters say no for security reasons
Updated today at 15:22. Posted today at 10:45
There was supposed to be a festival for newly produced Jewish films. But the organizers have no venue in Malmö.
"No theater is willing to step up," says Ola Tedin, organizer of JIFF, Jewish International Film Festivals.
Commercial theaters in . have refused to host a Jewish film festival, for example, Panora, which is managed by a non-profit cultural association.
"A couple of them refer to security reasons. They are worried that something will happen," says Ola Tedin.
The organizers pinned their hope on Folkets Hus (Public House) on Nobel Square in Malmö, where there is a theater hall, which has previously been used to show films. The venue was available on the dates, 29 November to 2 December, but management refused for security reasons.
"I can't understand what kind of security threat there is in showing Jewish films," says Ola Tedin.
"The police always used to be available and have volunteered to be outside the venue this time as well," says Sofia Nerbrand, who is also an initiator of the festival.
The festival has received 160,000 kronor from the city of Malmö and 50,000 from the region of Skåne.
Filmstaden: "Not an easy decision"
Filmstaden confirms it refrained from renting out its theaters for the festival.
"It was not an easy decision, but we prioritize security for our employees," writes Irene Hernberg, PR- director for Filmstaden North.
Panora refers to the workload that has led the association to decide against new festivals and larger events.
SVT News Skåne is seeking comment from the theaters and Folkets Hus.
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