Tom Flebbe

Hans-Joachim "Tom" Flebbe, 74, is a German cinema operator and the owner of the Astor Film Lounge in Frankfurt. He is newsworthy due to recent accusations of antisemitism leveled against his cinema by the Jewish Community of Frankfurt. The community alleges that the Astor Film Lounge withdrew from a planned cooperation for the Jüdische Filmtage (Jewish Film Days) due to antisemitic pressure. Flebbe disputes this characterization, claiming the cinema did not capitulate to such pressure. He acknowledges errors within his company but denies any need for repentance. Flebbe is an experienced figure in the German cinema industry, having previously co-founded the Cinemaxx cinema chain. The controversy surrounding the Jüdische Filmtage and the accusations against Flebbe's cinema highlight ongoing concerns about antisemitism and its impact on cultural events and institutions in Germany.