Arsenal Cinema is set to launch a new program in Berlin from May 3 to May 7, 2026. Situated at Plantagenstraße 30, the cinema marks the third location in the city, following previous openings in Schöneberg and Potsdamer Platz.
Arsenal Cinema Overview
This new venue unifies all components of the Arsenal Film Institute. This includes the Berlinale Forum, Forum Expanded, and various departments such as distribution, film and paper archives, and the Campus initiative.
Opening Program: Making Space
The inaugural program titled “Making Space” kicks off on May 3. The event runs for five days, offering audiences a chance to explore diverse cinematic possibilities.
- Opening Night: Features a welcome from key figures: Stefanie Schulte Strathaus and Stefan Aue (Arsenal Filminstitut), along with Bettina Ellerkamp and Jörg Heitmann of silent green.
- Featured Artists: Works by notable directors including Anja Dornieden, Juan David González Monroy, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Leos Carax, and Rachel Micallef Somerville will be showcased.
- Film Premiere: The opening night includes the cinema premiere of MYTH AND MERCURY by Rosa Barba, presented in 35mm format.
The “Making Space” program aims to foster dialogue between the Arsenal Film Collection and contemporary cinematic creations. This initiative is a cornerstone of an ongoing series that examines the significance of cinemas and cultural spaces in modern society.
Future Collaborations
Each month, Arsenal Cinema will feature collaborations with different institutions and organizations. The German title of this ongoing series is inspired by the work of film scholar Heide Schlüpmann, translating to “film makes space for the cinema.”
Funding and Support
The Arsenal Filminstitut receives funding from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, supporting its mission to promote film art and cultural engagement.
