German cinema at the centre of row over Jewish film screenings

A decision by Astor Film Lounge MyZeil not to participate in this year’s Jewish Film Days has triggered accusations of antisemitism, while the cinema’s management insists the move was based solely on economic considerations.

The dispute emerged after the Jewish Community of Frankfurt said the cinema declined to host screenings during the biennial festival. According to the community, cited by The Jerusalem Post, the venue cited staff reluctance to work at festival events and concerns about the level of security required for Jewish-related programming.

In a sharply worded statement, the community said the decision signalled that “Jewish life, Jewish people, and a Jewish media presence are no longer welcome” at the venue. It warned that cancelling events out of fear of potential reactions amounted to “capitulation to antisemitic pressure,” adding that using security concerns as justification for excluding Jewish events was “a scandal.”

However, managing director Tom Flebbe rejected that interpretation. In comments reported in a leading local newspaper, he said the withdrawal was driven by low attendance, noting that screenings during the previous festival drew only 40 to 50 guests. He also said that remarks about security concerns had been made by a junior manager without authorization and were inaccurate.

“Economic viability is a legitimate and necessary basis for business decisions, regardless of the thematic context,” Flebbe said, stressing that cooperation with the Jewish community would continue in other formats. He added that the cinema views Jewish life as a natural and valued part of society and that the decision was “not against Jewish people, Jewish culture, or Jewish presence,” but the result of careful financial assessment.

The controversy follows the 2024 edition of Jewish Film Days, when multiple venues across Frankfurt hosted screenings. Astor Film Lounge itself screened March ’68, a drama set during Poland’s antisemitic campaign after Israel’s Six-Day War.

The dispute reflects broader tensions surrounding film festivals and debates over antisemitism and Israel. Germany’s Berlin International Film Festival faced internal controversy this year, while festivals in Toronto and Malmö have also dealt with cancellations or disputes tied to similar issues.

Flebbe’s explanation has not convinced all critics. The Berlin-based German-Jewish Values Initiative argued in an open letter that the economic rationale was a “mere pretext,” noting that the Jewish Community of Frankfurt had reportedly been prepared to guarantee minimum revenues. The group warned that by appearing to yield to pressure or perceived risks, the cinema risked reinforcing efforts to marginalise Jewish life in public spaces.

By Tamilla Hasanova