Until its closure, the Union cinema housed such small films. Arthaus films, documentaries and live opera broadcasts were shown in the two cinema halls on Bahnhofsplatz. The cinema was closed in June due to disagreements with the landlord. Something similar happened recently at the Friedrichsbau in Freiburg, founded in 1911 and which will close in mid-February. The Union cinema and Cineplex were operated by the CCC group.
Arthaus Rail is having a difficult time
According to Lazuk, the idea of moving the arthouse track from Union to the Cineplex is not yet fully realized. There are smaller films that would work very well, such as the character portrayal “Mittagsstunden” with Charly Hübner. But these are individual exceptions. “Unfortunately, the art-house cinema was very little frequented. It hasn’t been satisfactory so far,” says Lazuk, who has repeatedly shown goodies for filmmakers at the Cineplex last year, such as the tragic comedy “Green Tomatoes” (1991).
At the same time, however, he is delighted that the Union cinema’s regular audience has accepted the move to the Cineplex. In general, however, even the individual blockbusters in the mainstream and arthouse segments could not hide the fact that the number of visitors is 30% lower than before the corona pandemic.
“Unfortunately, this corresponds to the nationwide trend,” says the theater director. However he is confident. “This year has proved once again that viewers are loyal.”
