The German Federal Film Board (FFA) has completed the first funding round of its new automated programme to support German cinemas. A total of almost 4.1 million euros were awarded to 99 projects - a strong signal for the future viability of Germany as a cinema location.

Following the opening of the new application portal, 177 applications for funding were received. Despite the high demand and the associated selection process, the majority of the funds were utilised in a targeted manner. The focus was on technical and infrastructural modernisation: 87 projects were approved, for example for the purchase of new projectors, seating and cash register systems.

Thanks to the funding, up to 75 new projection systems, 20 modernised cinemas and 10 new box office systems can be realised. Accessibility measures were also taken into account - for example by renewing up to five cinema sites and sanitary facilities.

In addition, around 35,000 euros were invested in film education projects for young people and individual cinema counselling.

The new funding procedure is based on the Film Funding Act 2025 and dispenses with committee decisions. Instead, applications will be submitted on an ongoing basis, while funding commitments will be collected and issued according to fixed submission deadlines. The current third funding round ends on 24 July 2025.

The funding results for the current year are shown in the Service portal of the FFA retrievable.