Tolerance, Art, Multiculturalism…

The 6th edition of the Jewish Film Festival, which will take place in Zagreb between 20 and 26 May, will feature a diverse program. This year’s main theme is tolerance, and apart from some 50 films, audiences can expect educational mornings, international film workshops, exhibitions, get-togethers…

Tolerance in a multicultural past and present, in other words, tolerance in the fullest sense of the word, is the main theme of this year’s 6th Jewish Film Festival, which will take place at Zagreb’s Europa cinema between 20 and 26 May. It is a festival which uses numerous segments from life and art to advocate a multicultural dialogue and educate younger generations.

Apart from projections of approximately 50 films, the themes of Jewish culture, the Holocaust and various contemporary events will constantly be featured in the diverse concurrent all-day program.

Each day will begin with an educational morning intended for the younger generations. Lectures and workshops will teach them a great deal about the Holocaust and (in)tolerance. This is just one of the aspects which make this festival unique in comparison with similar events around the world. 

The film program consists of feature films, documentaries and short films by Croatian and international authors that focus on the theme of the Holocaust, while the evening program will feature films from contemporary Israeli productions. Apart from films, there will be an international film workshop with numerous eminent participants, an educational program about the Holocaust for school children and students, round tables, and a rich music program.

Traditionally, visitors will also have the opportunity to view an exhibition on tolerance. This time the author is a renowned Japanese artist, Seiji Kimoto, who has been living and working in Germany for decades, and he is presenting an emotionally charged exhibition titled “Strength and Weakness”. His sculptures and objects openly show the state of human suffering and torture which the Jews were exposed to over the centuries, which thematically fits with the festival.

The festival program is free for all visitors and participants, and if we are to judge by previous editions of the festival, it will attract more than 8000 visitors.

The festival is being organized by the independent, non-profit association “Festival of Contemporary Jewish Film” from Zagreb.