Decline in Cinema Attendance in Thuringia Amidst Growing Number of Movie Theaters
The film industry in Thuringia, Germany, has experienced a slight decline in movie theater attendance over the past year, despite an increase in the number of cinema venues.
Declining Ticket Sales
According to data released by the Filmförderungsanstalt (FFA), ticket sales in Thuringia dipped by 0.8%, with approximately 15,000 fewer tickets sold in 2024 compared to the previous year. The decrease in ticket sales translated into a 2.2% revenue loss for movie theaters in the region, generating a total of €16.78 million in 2024.
Despite the lower attendance, the average ticket price saw a slight decrease of 12 cents, amounting to €9.45 in 2024.
Growing Number of Movie Theaters
In contrast to the national trend, the number of cinemas in Thuringia has expanded, increasing by three in the past year to reach a total of 52. This growth bucks the nationwide trend of decreasing cinema numbers, which fell by 1.3% in 2024 compared to 2023.
National Cinema Landscape
On a national scale, Germany’s film industry also witnessed a drop in cinema attendance. The FFA reported a 5.8% decline in ticket sales, totaling approximately 90.1 million in 2024. This decrease was accompanied by a revenue dip of around 6.5% to €868.4 million, down from €929.1 million in 2023.
Box Office Hits
Despite the overall decline in attendance, several films emerged as box office successes in Germany. The second installment of the animated film "Inside Out" reigned supreme, attracting over 5.7 million viewers. Other popular releases included "Top Gun: Maverick," "Tar," and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."
Factors Influencing Attendance
The decline in cinema attendance in Thuringia and Germany as a whole can likely be attributed to several factors, including the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changing consumer habits, and the increasing availability of streaming services.
Conclusion
While the film industry in Thuringia faces some challenges, the region’s growing number of movie theaters provides a glimmer of hope for a resurgence in cinema attendance. The industry must continue to adapt to changing market dynamics and find ways to engage audiences both in theaters and through streaming platforms to ensure its continued success.
