Arsenal Cinema Opens Third Berlin Venue, Uniting Film Institute Under One Roof

Key facts

• Arsenal Cinema opens its third Berlin location in Wedding on May 3, 2025.
• The opening program 'Making Space' runs from May 3 to May 7.
• Rosa Barba premieres her film MYTH AND MERCURY in analogue 35mm format.
• The Arsenal Filminstitut is funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
• The opening night features works by Anja Dornieden, Juan David González Monroy, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Leos Carax, and Rachel Micallef Somerville.
• The series title 'Raumgeben' is borrowed from a book by film scholar Heide Schlüpmann.

A New Home for Cinema in Wedding

For the third time in its history, Arsenal Cinema is opening a new venue in Berlin, this time in the district of Wedding. The cinema, which first opened in Schöneberg and later moved to Potsdamer Platz, now inaugurates a space that, for the first time, brings together all components of the Arsenal Film Institute under one roof. The opening on May 3, 2025, marks a milestone for an institution that has shaped Berlin's film culture for more than six decades. The new venue integrates the Berlinale Forum and Forum Expanded, the distribution department, the film and paper archives, and the Campus, alongside the cinema itself. This consolidation creates a single hub where the institute's history—marked by both continuity and change—can be carried into the future.

Opening Program 'Making Space'

The opening program, titled 'Making Space', runs from May 3 to May 7 and offers a first glimpse into the wide range of cinematic possibilities the new venue will host. The opening night features a welcome by Stefanie Schulte Strathaus and Stefan Aue of the Arsenal Filminstitut, as well as Bettina Ellerkamp and Jörg Heitmann of silent green, the cultural venue that hosts the new cinema. The evening presents artistic works by Anja Dornieden and Juan David González Monroy, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, Leos Carax, and Rachel Micallef Somerville. A highlight is the premiere of Rosa Barba's film MYTH AND MERCURY, completed in 2025, which will be shown in analogue 35mm format.

A Dialogue Between Archive and New Works

'Making Space' establishes a dialogue between the holdings of the Arsenal Film Collection and newly created cinematic works. The program marks the beginning of a long-term series of film screenings and events that explore the role of cinemas and other cultural venues in today's political and social landscape. Each month, the series will feature a collaboration with a different institution or organization. The German title of the series, 'Raumgeben—der Film dem Kino', is borrowed from a not-yet-translated book by film scholar and philosopher Heide Schlüpmann, which translates loosely as 'film makes space for the cinema'.

Funding and Institutional Support

The Arsenal Filminstitut is funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, ensuring its continued operation and development. This public support underscores the institute's role as a key cultural institution in Berlin and Germany. The new venue in Wedding represents a significant investment in the city's cinematic infrastructure, providing a permanent home for the institute's diverse activities, from film preservation to education and public screenings.

A Legacy of Continuity and Change

Arsenal Cinema's journey began in Schöneberg, moved to Potsdamer Platz, and now finds a new chapter in Wedding. Each move has reflected the evolving landscape of Berlin's cultural scene and the institute's adaptive approach to film exhibition and archiving. The new space not only preserves the institute's 60-year legacy but also positions it to engage with contemporary challenges facing cinemas and cultural venues. By bringing all functions under one roof, Arsenal aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation.

Looking Ahead: Monthly Collaborations and Future Programming

The 'Making Space' series is just the beginning of a sustained programming effort that will see monthly collaborations with various institutions and organizations. This approach ensures that the cinema remains a dynamic platform for diverse voices and perspectives. As Arsenal Cinema opens its doors in Wedding, it invites audiences to explore the intersection of film, art, and society. The institute's commitment to analogue formats, such as Rosa Barba's 35mm premiere, signals a dedication to preserving traditional cinematic experiences while embracing new artistic expressions.

The bottom line

• Arsenal Cinema's third Berlin venue in Wedding unites all institute functions for the first time.
• The opening program 'Making Space' runs May 3-7 and includes a premiere by Rosa Barba in 35mm.
• The series title 'Raumgeben' reflects a philosophical exploration of cinema's role in society.
• Monthly collaborations with different institutions will shape future programming.
• The institute is publicly funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
• The new venue builds on over 60 years of Arsenal's history in Berlin.