Berlin, 7 July 2025 - In a joint appeal to the German Bundestag, the German cinema associations HDF KINO and AG Kino - Gilde are calling for the continuation and financial security of the Future Cinema Programme. The central investment funding programme for cinemas should be taken into account in the upcoming review session for the 2025 federal budget.
The background to this is the current political uncertainty resulting from the failure of the "traffic light" coalition and the associated delay in the adoption of the federal budget. Both central pillars of cinema funding are currently suspended. In its coalition agreement, the new federal government had promised to strengthen cinema as a cultural venue with reliable funding structures.
According to the associations, the situation is critical for many cinemas. Since its introduction in 2020, the Future Cinema Programme has proven to be an effective instrument for modernising and safeguarding the cinema landscape. It supports structural as well as technological and ecological investments and has made a significant contribution to stabilising the industry after the pandemic.
Christine Berg, CEO of HDF KINO, emphasises: "Without the cinemas, German film lacks a basis. The programme has shown that investments have a direct impact - for the companies and for the audience." The association is calling for annual funding of 40 million euros to ensure the competitiveness of cinemas.
Christian Bräuer, Chairman of the AG Kino - Gilde, also points out the urgency of a stable funding structure: "Cinemas need planning security in order to be able to make the necessary investments. In addition to the economic aspect, it is also about preserving a cultural space with social relevance."
According to a study by the German Federal Film Board (FFA), the annual investment requirement for German cinemas is over 100 million euros. The funding provided for 2024 was exhausted within a very short space of time. Funds from other funding organisations are also regularly oversubscribed. The federal states have signalled their intention to continue co-financing the programme - provided that the federal government covers its share.
The cinema associations are in favour of a long-term continuation of the Future Programme from 2026. The aim is to sustainably secure the cultural infrastructure and strengthen Germany as a film location.