Several leading associations of the German cinema industry have formulated a renewed demand for permanent investment funding for cinemas in the context of the ongoing debates on film funding policy. In a joint declaration, the HDF Cinemawhich AG Cinema - Guildthe Federal Association of Municipal Film Work and the AG Film Festivalthat the Future cinema programme will be provided with reliable funding again from 2027.

According to the associations, there is an annual investment requirement of over 100 million eurosfor technical modernisation, energy-efficient refurbishment and the attractiveness of the buildings. Against this background, they hold a basic stock of 30 million euros per year in the federal budget in order to ensure the competitiveness of cinemas.

The association representatives pointed out that many cinemas are currently operating "structurally at the limit". There are hardly any reserves for necessary investments, which is why planning security and reliable funding instruments are crucial to prevent cinemas from dying out again. In the past, the Future Cinema Programme has helped to stabilise the regional cinema landscape despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The associations also emphasise that the film reform can only have its full effect if not only production and distribution are strengthened, but also cinema exploitation. Without modern, well-equipped cinema locations, many films would not be able to reach their target groups, which would have a negative impact on the entire value chain.

In their statement, the associations also refer to existing coalition promises, in which a strengthening of the cinema infrastructure is enshrined, and demand that these promises be implemented in the coming budget year.