The Shop on Main Street - ENFF - EN subs • Nederlands Filmhuis Denhaag

Ján Kadár, Elmar Klos

The Shop on Main Street - ENFF

In this Oscar-winning classic, celebrating its 50th anniversary, an unassuming Slovak carpenter becomes "Aryan controller" of a Jewish widow’s shop, forcing him to choose between complicity and conscience as the shadow of fascism descends.

Set in a small Slovak town during WWII, the film follows Tóno, a humble, apolitical carpenter who dreams of a quiet life. When the Nazi authorities introduce the policy of "Aryanisation", he is offered an opportunity: to take over a tiny button shop owned by an elderly Jewish widow (portrayed by Ida Kamińska, who received a Special Mention at the Cannes FF for this role). Illiterate, frail, and confused about the new laws, she’s made to believe Tóno has come to help her rather than take her livelihood. What begins as an awkward arrangement soon turns into a fragile friendship – one that will test his morality as the machinery of fascism grinds closer. Torn between survival and doing what is right, he faces an impossible choice in a world collapsing under the weight of hatred. Though made 50 years ago, the film’s examination of complicity, fear, and the moral costs of indifference resonates strongly today, as Europe witnesses the rise of far-right politics and populist movements.

The screening will be introduced by Sarah A. Cramsey, a historian at Leiden University and Assistant Professor of Judaism & Diaspora Studies, as well as Director of the Austria Centre Leiden.

Eastern Neighbors Film Festival 2025

Discover more about the Eastern Neighbours Film Festival – where cinema from Eastern and Southeastern Europe takes centre stage. From 5 to 9 November 2025, explore the full line-up of films, events, and special guests featured in this year’s edition at Filmhuis Den Haag. For the full program, click here.

Regisseur Ján Kadár, Elmar Klos
Cast Ida Kamińska, Jozef Kroner, František Zvarík
Land Tsjechoslowakije
Taal Slowaaks, Duits, Jiddisch, Latijn
Ondertiteling Engels
Speelduur 128 min
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