Wolfram Weimer: Minister of State for Culture talks about his first romance

The association invited its approximately 600 members – they operate a total of 3,500 cinema screens – to the anniversary gala at the Oderberger Hotel in Berlin-Mitte. The first to congratulate was journalist Wolfram Weimer. He praised the association as a reliable partner of the German cinema industry: "Cinema is the place where language, images, and dreams take shape," said Weimer. HDF KINO has been promoting this inspiring force with passion and commitment for decades. Weimer promised the industry the full support of the federal government – ​​funding has been doubled. "Things are getting going again. After a recession in productions, it's high time more action was taken," said Weimer. The Hesse native also shared a personal memory with the guests: In school, he founded a cinema club specifically because there was a pretty girl in the next class who loved cinema. "At the first screening, I hoped for my first kiss. Unfortunately, 'The Wages of Fear' was playing – that didn't happen."

Christine Berg, CEO of HDF Kino, emphasized the uniqueness and worth of protecting the German cinema landscape: "There are more than 25 families that can look back on over 100 years of tradition. Our diversity is our strength." As a personal gesture, she presented the Minister of State for Culture with a poster of his favorite film, "Groundhog Day." But there were also thoughtful notes. Dr. Alice Brauner, head of CCC Filmkunst, addressed the difficult situation of Jewish filmmakers in Germany: "Half of the industry signs letters of support for Hamas – we Jewish filmmakers feel threatened." The award ultimately went to "Manitu's Canoe." Bully Herbig's film has sold over three million films, receiving the "Golden Screen" from HDF Kino. The Constantin Film producers, Martin Bachmann and Oliver Berben, accepted the award. They revealed that the film is expected to reach the four million viewer mark this weekend.