The BKM is investing more in culture in 2026 than ever before - around 2.57 billion euros. However, hardly any of this will remain for cinemas: Investment funding will once again be cancelled, while new programmes such as "Liebling Kino" will only cover programme funding. The industry continues to stand on its own two feet.
The Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) has presented the budget for 2026 - with a record volume of around 2.57 billion euros. Compared to the current year, this represents an increase of around ten per cent. This sounds like a strong signal for the wider cultural scene, but it leaves a bitter aftertaste for the cinema world: Investment funding for cinemas is once again being cancelled.
The government draft had already left out funds for cinema investment promotion. After the budget adjustment meeting, the situation remains the same: apart from individual reallocations, no additional funds are planned for modernisation or construction projects. The new funding format "Darling cinema"which replaces the previous FFA programmes and cinema programme premiums, only covers content and programme funding, but not investments in infrastructure.
Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer emphasises the importance of the record budget in the BKM press release: the funds are intended to preserve Germany's cultural diversity, involve young people more closely and safeguard historical memory. Particular emphasis is placed on the planned programmes for the cultural participation of children and young people - although there are no funds available for this. only around 1 million euros available. For the film industry, this sum seems rather modest compared to the ministry's rhetoric.
From the industry's point of view, the communication clearly shows that the federal government is strengthening cultural funding overall, once again leaves cinemas out in the cold when it comes to investment. For distributors, cinema operators and producers, this means that planned modernisations and technological updates will continue to receive only limited support.
Conclusion: The BKM's record budget is a positive signal for the German cultural landscape, For cinemas, however, the funding gap remains. The industry must continue to rely on alternative funding opportunities and cooperation in order to realise urgently needed investments.