Cinema's financing will undergo a transformation under Weimer's new plans
In a bid to modernize cinema funding in Germany, Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer has announced plans to nearly double the annual budget for film production, starting in 2026. The German Federal Film Fund (DFFF) and the German Motion Picture Fund (GMPF) will see their budgets increase from approximately €133 million to €250 million annually.
The aim is to equip film funding with more resources, enabling Germany to compete internationally, particularly by supporting more blockbusters and hit series made in the country. This increase is part of a broader overhaul designed to modernize cinema funding, abolish existing double funding structures, and strengthen the programming of German, European, and culturally demanding films.
One key aspect of these plans is the abolition of double funding structures. While the details are not yet clear, the agreement to streamline and nearly double funding through the primary federal funds implies a consolidation to reduce overlapping or redundant funding sources.
Another significant change is the focus on supporting programming efforts that emphasize German-language films, European cinema, and culturally significant films. This programming support aims to preserve and promote cultural diversity in film offerings.
In addition, a new investment obligation law is planned, which will require streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney to invest directly in German film productions. This measure is intended to ensure a sustainable funding stream from commercial digital platforms.
The increase in funding is approved as part of Germany’s 2026 federal budget, which features significant overall investment increases and budget modernization efforts. This indicates that cinema funding growth is integrated into wider cultural and infrastructure priorities.
From early 2025, existing incentive programs (DFFF and GMPF) will offer a 30% rebate on German production costs, enhancing financial attractiveness for film and high-end series productions.
However, concerns have been raised about the future of cinemas. A study suggests that they should invest around 112 million euros annually, for example for new projectors or screens. The Zukunftsprogramm Kino, which last received ten million euros, has not yet been confirmed for continuation.
Lehmann, the chairman of the Culture Committee in the Bundestag, has requested funding figures and plans to support the approximately 1,700 cinemas nationwide. In 2024, 157 cinemas received funding from the Zukunftsprogramm Kino, primarily supporting smaller towns.
Lehmann has criticized that cinemas are not receiving additional funds allocated for film funding and has warned of a potential "cinema death" in the coming years if the federal government does not act promptly. He has urged the culture minister to make cinema funding a top priority.
The specific amounts of funding available from 2026 for cinemas have not been specified by Weimer. However, the reform aims to create an incentive for cinemas to prominently feature German, European, and culturally demanding films through a new reference funding with a cultural focus.
Many cinemas are facing a decline in ticket sales and revenues. The new funding is intended to address these challenges and ensure the continued growth and success of the German film industry.
- The reform in cinema funding, initiated by Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer, not only focuses on increasing the budget for film production but also aims to create an incentive for cinemas to showcase German, European, and culturally significant films, with a new reference funding designed to support this cultural focus.
- Lehmann, the chairman of the Culture Committee in the Bundestag, has urged the culture minister to prioritize cinema funding, citing concerns about the future of Germany's approximately 1,700 cinemas, particularly smaller ones, as many are facing declining ticket sales and revenues, and the lack of additional funds allocated for cinemas in the newly announced film funding reform could potentially lead to a "cinema death" in the coming years.
