A few weeks ago, we had reported to you that the popular Berger Kino will not reopen even after the lockdown ends. Cinema operator Harald Metz no longer saw any perspective for the continuation of a commercial cinema due to the consequences of the Corona pandemic, but also due to the ever-increasing competition from streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+. It was sad news, but now followed by a small sliver of hope on the horizon.
Because as FAZ first reported, there are now new plans for the tradition-rich cinema. If Metz has his way, it should continue to be a place of culture and encounter, and thus also retain an important cultural role for Berger Strasse. The plan is to transform the cinema into a cultural and communication centre. Films will also be shown here in the future, but that is only a small part of the concept that Metz presented to the city parliament's cultural committee. After a redesign, not only film classics and selected children's and youth films are to be shown here. The cinema will then also serve as a venue for film festivals, readings, cabaret and theatre performances. And in cooperation with the jazz venue "Mampf" and the "Frankfurt Art Bar", live concerts could also take place in the premises.
To be able to implement these plans, however, requires financial support from the city. With city money and support from partners, the cinema could be refurbished and retooled according to the new plans. It is not yet certain that this ambitious project can be realized. But it would be nice not only for Berger Straße, but for Frankfurt in general, if the Berger Kino were to remain a cultural venue. We will of course keep you updated.
