The German film and cinema sector is bracing for a critical juncture as the nation marks 130 years of cinematic history, with promises of government support facing scrutiny over concrete implementation. Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer recently signaled a commitment from the federal government to bolster Germany’s film industry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cinemas as “places of magic and culture” and positioning them to navigate future challenges.
However, the German Film Theaters Association (HDF) is expressing growing impatience with the lack of tangible action. Christine Berg, the HDF’s director, directly challenged the government’s rhetoric, stating that while support for cinemas was enshrined in the coalition agreement, “until now, there has been no cinema funding”. This perceived inaction, she argued, demands a “well-equipped and reliable investment program for the coming years.
Berg’s critique highlights the precarious economic position of many cinemas across Germany, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the pandemic. She points to data demonstrating a direct correlation between visible renovations and increased ticket sales, with renovated theaters experiencing surges of up to 30%. Many cinemas, however, are financially unable to undertake necessary refurbishments without significant external assistance.
The HDF’s ambition is to surpass recent attendance figures and move beyond reliance on subsidies. Projections for the current year indicate over 90 million cinema visits nationwide, suggesting a potential for renewed vitality. However, Berg insists that sustained growth and self-sufficiency are essential, requiring the government to move beyond symbolic gestures and deliver the promised investment to secure the future of German cinemas. The industry’s viability and the preservation of a key cultural institution, appears to hinge on swift and decisive governmental action.
