Potsdam. The figures from the Film Funding Agency (FFA) show that things are going well for cinemas – at least in theory. In Brandenburg, sales in the first half of the year almost doubled compared to 2020.
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According to FFA board member Peter Dinges, the cinema is still very popular with people across the board as a low-threshold cultural offering. In fact, this also applies to most cinemas in the region – and it’s not just the range of films that plays a role.
Thalia Babelsberg: Cinema plus instead of flat play
The number of visitors to Thalia in Babelsberg is almost back to the same level as before the corona pandemic. In 2019, 150,000 people visited, and this year there have already been more than 100,000.
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Daniela Zuklic, the managing director of the Thalia Cinema, is of the opinion that more needs to be done than just playing on the screen: “I think you can no longer survive by just playing films,” says Zuklic.
That’s why Thalia offers “Kino plus”. For example, there are discussions with actors, an accompanying program or currently a democracy series with appropriate film accompaniment. “We curate the program in advance and stick to the social discourse,” says the managing director.
Visitor numbers at the UCI at Potsdam Central Station exceed expectations
In contrast to the small cinema in Babelsberg, which primarily attracts “the typical art house target group”, the UCI at Potsdam Central Station is designed for a broader spectrum. When asked, press spokeswoman Nadine Breuer said: “We are very satisfied with the number of visitors to the UCI Luxe Potsdam and are even exceeding our expectations.” However, the group is not allowed to publish figures.
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“With the successes of last year and now with the great success of family films such as ‘Inside Out 2’ or ‘Despicable Me 4’, it has once again been shown very impressively what cinema and the special experience are worth to people “, says Nadine Breuer.
She goes on to say: “That film fans of all age groups don’t decide to wait for streaming, but still want to experience it together in the cinema.”
In the UCI Luxe Potsdam in particular, the group invested in the cinema experience and equipped it with “outstanding comfort”, such as adjustable cinema seats. In the state capital, people seem to use the cinema as a cultural offering. The operators in Werder and Beelitz are also satisfied.
“The School of Magical Animals 3″ ensures increasing crowds in Werder
The Scala Kulturpalast in Werder, which was taken over by managing director Gösta Oelstrom at the end of 2015, is recording increasing visitor numbers. In 2016, 3,300 people visited the cinema, in 2019 there were 9,000 and last year even 16,000 visitors.
“We have 200 seats, so we are a large cinema and are only fully booked for school performances. Otherwise, there are times when there are just two of you sitting in a film or with 50 other guests,” says the managing director.
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Due to roof damage, the cinema is currently reduced to 160 seats, meaning the most popular and expensive seats are no longer available, according to Oelstrom.
Despite the lack of places, the coming season is promising: “The number of visitors is currently increasing, which also has to do with films like ‘The School of Magical Animals 3’, the second part of which was our film with the most visitors two years ago, namely more than 1300,” said Oelstrom.
Summary after a year at the Beelitz cinema: “The mayor is very satisfied”
Only a year ago, in September 2023, the “New Cinema” in Beelitz resumed operations. Since opening, 226 film screenings have been shown, including 66 for educational institutions. A total of 10,474 people visited the cinema, which corresponds to an occupancy rate of around 71 percent.
The cinema would still be praised as a particularly beautiful and cozy cinema, said Stefanie Ahlfeld from the Beelitz city administration. “The mayor is very satisfied with the number of visitors and the response to the cinema. The city will maintain 100 percent continued operation and continue to run it independently,” Ahlfeld continues.
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In contrast to this is what managing director Carolin Huder reports about the “Neue Kammerspiele” cinema in Kleinmachnow. “I don’t think the cinema business has ever been profitable. It definitely doesn’t apply to us. It’s more of a subsidy business,” says Huder. The situation has been very difficult since Corona.
Kleinmachnow: “Neue Kammerspiele” was about to end
“Prices have risen and people are of course more likely to save on culture than on rent or food. We won’t be able to recoup the deficit through ticket prices, because if we increase them, even fewer people will come,” she continues.
In the past year, the cinema was on the brink of closure several times – the word insolvency was mentioned, said the managing director. “The cinema business is very unpredictable because there is no regular customer base. We’re trying to get more in through events.”
Ten years ago, 12,000 people visited the cinema in Kleinmachnow, five years ago there were 22,000 and in the first half of this year 11,000. But for the business to really be profitable, Carolin Huder estimates that it would need 40,000 visitors a year.
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Without the support of the community, continued operation would not be possible. It is still feasible to continue using the cinema, even if it would have to be readjusted, she says. For example, opening times. The cinema in Kleinmachnow has existed for more than 80 years.
Positive conclusion in Werder, Beelitz and Potsdam
In Potsdam, Werder and Beelitz the same conclusion is drawn: the cinema business is worthwhile – despite competition from streaming services. “I rate the future of Thalia very well, otherwise I wouldn’t do it. I have always believed in the power of cinema,” says Daniela Zuklic.
Gösta Oelstrom also confirms: “Yes, with good films that are appropriately advertised and good service, you can ignite the magic of the cinema and bring people into the cinema halls. Cinema is still a communal experience and is more fun together.”
MAZ
