Cinema says it postponed Hamilton Jewish Film Festival due to 'high tensions,' as event finds new home

After postponing the Hamilton Jewish Film Festival, the Playhouse Cinema is pushing back against suggestions its decision was antisemitic and says it was prompted by a “legitimate concern” for the safety of its staff and customers. 

“Once the concerns started to come in we thought this is a bit bigger than us,” Jacob Tutt, the cinema’s general manager, told CBC Hamilton. “We’re just here to play films.” 

Last week, the Playhouse postponed the festival indefinitely, saying it had received “security and safety related emails, phone calls and social media messages.” 

“The postponement of this theatre rental was due to high tensions surrounding current events in Gaza,