Schwerin (dpa/mv) - According to the non-profit Filmland Mecklenburg-Vorpommern GmbH, the cinemas need help from the state in order to get through the winter in view of the massive increase in energy costs. The majority of cinemas heat the halls with gas and are directly affected by price increases and the gas levy, explained Fabian Liebenow on Tuesday, who is responsible for strategic cinema planning at Filmland MV. As a company, they did not benefit from the VAT reduction.
According to Liebenow, the cinemas are still severely affected economically by the corona pandemic. So far, visitors have not returned to the extent hoped for. "Now they are in a situation that, without government support from the state and federal government, will ensure that some will not survive the coming winter and the next year." Liebenow called for existing aid programs such as the federal special fund for cultural events to be continued in 2023. The state is required to launch further targeted aid and relief programs for the cultural industry.
With a view to possible corona measures in autumn and winter, Liebenow warned against treating the cultural industry differently than gastronomy. If a mask requirement at the table cannot be explained in restaurants, this must also apply to the culture and thus to the cinemas. Otherwise the measures would cost visitors again.
