Cinema funding will undergo a shift under Weimer's auspices
In the near future, Germany is set to undergo a significant overhaul of its cinema funding infrastructure, with changes expected to take effect from 2026. The reforms, which aim to encourage the display of more German, European, and culturally demanding films, are currently under negotiation between the federal government and the 16 regional states (Länder).
One of the key components of the reform is a new reference funding system. This system, designed to rationalize and streamline funding, would serve as a standardized financial benchmark or basis for eligibility in funding schemes. The details about the exact structure and amounts are still under discussion, but the system is intended to establish clear criteria for projects’ funding eligibility.
Another proposed change is the reform of the tax incentive model for film production. While this reform is planned, it is unlikely to launch at the start of 2026 due to the need for final agreement between the federal government and the Länder.
The continuation of the Zukunftsprogramm Kino (Future Cinema Program) is also expected. Launched to support cinemas during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, this program is anticipated to continue beyond 2025 with revised funding terms aligned with the overall reform agenda.
The reforms come in response to growing competition and production challenges faced by cinemas, particularly those struggling with a decline in ticket sales and revenues. Stakeholders, including German producer associations and film industry representatives, have emphasized the urgency for political consensus to implement these changes effectively.
Culture State Minister Wolfram Weimer has been planning changes to the financial aid for cinemas, with the aim of abolishing double funding structures and building an efficient cinema funding system. The specific amounts of funding available from 2026 have not been revealed by Weimer, though broad federal budget increases are planned across sectors for 2026.
The Zukunftsprogramm was last equipped with ten million euros under the leadership of Claudia Roth (Greens), and in 2024, 157 cinemas received funding from the program, primarily supporting cinemas in smaller towns with investments.
These planned changes could have dramatic consequences for the film location Germany and our cultural diversity. Sven Lehmann, the chairman of the Culture Committee in the Bundestag, has asked about funding figures and plans to support approximately 1,700 cinemas nationwide. According to a study, these cinemas should invest 112 million euros annually for equipment such as new projectors or screens.
The goal of the new funding is to strengthen programming work, ensuring a diverse and culturally rich cinema landscape in Germany. As the details of the reforms continue to unfold, it is clear that the future of cinema funding in Germany is undergoing a significant transformation.
[1] Source: German Press Agency [3] Source: Federal Budget 2026
- The reforms in Germany's cinema funding infrastructure, planned to take effect from 2026, aim to establish a more efficient business environment for the film industry, with a focus on finance, supporting lifestyle choices like cinema-going, and promoting cultural diversity in entertainment.
- As part of the reforms, the proposed tax incentive model for film production is intended to boost the financial affairs of the business sector, while the new reference funding system aims to create clear criteria for eligible funding projects, catering to a broad range of lifestyle, business, and entertainment needs.
