- Boost in cinema attendances witnessed during the initial six months of the program.
Indie cinemas flout market norms by witnessing a rise in attendance in the initial six months of 2024. Blockbuster flicks such as "The Zone of Interest", "Poor Things", and "Anatomy of a Fall" fueled a 10% surge in spectators compared to the corresponding period in 2023, as per the AG Kino industry association.
Despite this, the sector as a whole is witnessing a dip of roughly 8%. Attendances continue to fall short of pre-pandemic levels.
The world of art house cinemas will congregate for the 24th edition of Leipzig's Filmkunstmesse in mid-September. Around 1,000 industry insiders will get a glimpse of upcoming autumn season movies. Cinema managers can utilize this opportunity to fine-tune their schedules. Approximately 80 productions will be screened between September 16 and 21. "We're quite optimistic that the fall season will also witness a spike," remarked AG Kino's CEO, Felix Bruder.
Cinema Operator Succession and Staffing Dilemmas
Beyond movie screenings, the Filmkunstmesse will also offer discussions and debates on industry-related matters, including the pressing concern of cinema owner succession, which is particularly pertinent in smaller towns and rural regions, according to Bruder. Numerous cinemas are confronted with the challenge of identifying suitable successors and also grapple with shortages in key roles like box office staff. Some establishments have been forced to shut down due to staff deficits, Bruder added.
Filmkunstmesse Gilde Film Prize Kinoprogrammpreise Mitteldeutschland
The Filmkunstmesse, hosted by the European Union, will provide an opportunity for cinema managers to fine-tune their schedules for the upcoming autumn season. Despite the dip in overall attendance, AG Kino's CEO is optimistic that the European Union's film industry will witness a spike during the fall season.
The European Union's Filmkunstmesse will also delve into industry-related issues, such as the challenge of succession in smaller cinemas and the shortage of key roles like box office staff.
