Grants for Structural and Sustainable Promotion of Film Theaters in Saxony-Anhalt (Cinema Future Program Guideline)

This program of the state of Saxony-Anhalt is aimed at operators of permanent film theaters with up to seven screens within the state. The funding aims to strengthen cinemas as cultural venues, especially in non-urban areas, and to support the preservation of cinema infrastructure and German cinema films.

The program promotes a variety of investment measures for the modernization and retrofitting of film theaters. This includes areas from digital infrastructure and sustainability to technical equipment and visitor areas, with a focus on strengthening cinema infrastructure. Certain sectors, such as fisheries or primary agricultural production, are not eligible for funding.

Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant, the amount of which is up to 40 percent of the eligible expenditures. The maximum funding amounts vary depending on the number of cinema screens and can be increased to up to 80 percent under certain circumstances. The approval period is determined flexibly.

Funding is subject to various conditions, including necessary co-financing by the federal "Cinema Future Program" of the BKM and an own contribution. Important aspects also include proof of the cinema's economic viability and compliance with the de minimis regulation. A five-year commitment period must be observed for the funded measures.

The application must be submitted in writing to the State Chancellery and Ministry of Culture of Saxony-Anhalt. The disbursement of funds generally takes place upon submission of a disbursement request for expenditures already made, either once for smaller amounts or in installments for higher amounts.

This funding program is based on a specific guideline of the state of Saxony-Anhalt and is regulated by relevant budget ordinances and European de minimis aid regulations. The main documents are publicly accessible and form the framework for program implementation.