News

Berlin / Potsdam - Cinema operators in the capital region are making a significant contribution to bringing audiences back to the cinema experience after the pandemic. Berlin's diverse cinema scene has become an essential part of its cultural heritage. To support this, Berlin is increasing its cinema funding by a total of €6 million over the coming years. These additional funds will enhance and expand existing programs, providing significantly more resources for cinema investments and cultural initiatives.

This positive and nationally unique announcement from Florian Graf, Head of the Berlin Senate Chancellery and Chairman of the MBB Supervisory Board, received a warm round of applause at the 26th Berlin-Brandenburg Cinema Program Awards ceremony.

To ensure the future of cinema diversity, there will be a focus on funding cinema investments necessary to maintain the appeal of cinema locations for discerning audiences. Additionally, part of the funds will be allocated to network activities, cultural events, and industry initiatives, such as the Arthouse Cinema Training or the Cinema Festival, ensuring that cinema continues to fulfill its potential.

MBB is once again providing a record sum of €1.5 million for the Cinema Program Awards. 44 cinemas in Berlin will receive €1 million in total, with 12 cinemas receiving €10,000 each, 10 cinemas €15,000 each, 10 cinemas €25,000 each, and 12 cinemas the top prize of €40,000 each. 26 cinemas in Brandenburg will share €500,000, with 11 cinemas receiving €10,000 each, 6 cinemas €15,000 each, 4 cinemas €25,000 each, and 5 cinemas the top prize of €40,000 each.

Florian Graf, Head of the Berlin Senate Chancellery and Chairman of MBB: “Anyone who supports cinema as a cultural asset must also adequately support the industry to ensure it can continue to compete with major broadcasters and streaming providers. Through cinema funding, the Senate and House of Representatives are ensuring that this traditional medium has a future.”

Kirsten Niehuus, CEO Film Funding, MBB: “We celebrate the Berlin and Brandenburg cinemas with their excellent programming and are delighted that audiences have returned after the COVID-19 crisis. Their perseverance and passionate commitment represent the cultural asset of cinema diversity. Nowhere else is there such a broad range of offerings. To ensure this continues in the future, the Berlin Senate has increased funding for cinema culture by €6 million over the coming years. For this, we owe a great deal of thanks to the legislators!”

The 70 winners of the 2024 Cinema Program Awards for Berlin and Brandenburg (PDF downloads)!