Film festival boss: ‘We will only return to the Tricycle when we’re ready’

The Founder and Executive Director of UK Jewish Film, Judy Ironside MBE, has reassured fans of the UK Jewish Film Festival that it will only return to the Tricycle Theatre “when you, our audience, are ready”.

Commenting on the recent fall out with the festival’s usual venue, Ironside said, “This may not happen immediately but we truly believe that it is in the interests of all parties to be working with the Tricycle as they are seen to rebuild trust and confidence.”

The statement comes after the recent controversy in which the Kilburn theatre rejected plans to host this year’s film festival due to UKJFF receiving funding from the Israeli embassy.

Following angered protests from festival fans and national coverage of the scandal, the Tricycle Theatre last week made a dramatic U-turn on its decision, withdrawing its prior objections and inviting UKJFF to return.

“Let me first of all state, that there was never a moment when we considered going to the Tricycle whilst they were placing unacceptable demands on us,” emphasized Ironside.

“We are proud of our diversity and believe that this is why we are invited to advise on Jewish Film Festivals elsewhere in the world.”

“We are pleased to tell you that we have now been able to re-programme the Festival (our 18th) and taken the opportunity to introduce some new cinemas. We hope to be able to announce this in the next few days.

UK Jewish Film has issued a call for donations following the costly process of relocating this year’s festival.