Cinemas Transform into Community Hubs as Knitting Events Gain Popularity
Cinema Popcorn Brawls - Unconventional Social Gatherings Transpiring in Movie Theaters - Cinemas Transformed into Artisan Workshops: A Look at the Unconventional Knitting Trend
From dimmed lights and soft sounds of needle clicks to the distinct aroma of popcorn, cinemas are increasingly becoming more than just film screening venues. Across Germany, from Freiburg to Berlin, movie theaters are incorporating creative ideas to attract visitors, with knitting events taking center stage.
Knitting and Chat Meet Up at Yorck Cinema, Berlin
At Berlin's Yorck Cinema, six-weekly knitting events have become a sell-out success. Christian Bräuer, the managing director of the Yorck Cinema group, explains that the events combine knitting enthusiasm with classic films. The diverse audience, predominantly female, spans all age groups, with elderly women sharing seats with young women. The convivial atmosphere creates a soothing environment for participants.
The Combination of Deceleration and Entertainment
Heidelberg trend researcher Eike Wenzel points out that knitting is a form of relaxation, much like watching movies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many young people took up knitting, seeking an escape. As a result, they no longer wished to knit solitarily at home. Knitting cinema events offer the perfect solution, allowing them to engage, experiment, and learn from others.
Addressing the Human Need for Connection
While streaming services may compete with cinemas in terms of film content, they fall short in providing the sense of community that movie theaters offer. Constanze Oude Kotte from the Atlantis cinema in Mannheim echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the desire for communal experiences among film enthusiasts.
This trend is not limited to Berlin, Stuttgart, and Karlsruhe; other cities such as Munich, Nuremberg, Hamburg, Hannover, and Kiel are also hosting similar events. Cinemas seek to cater to various interests, offering coffee and cake-inspired screenings for families with toddlers, reduced-volume screenings for sensitive ears, and even dog-friendly showings.
The Value of Community in Cinema
"Numerous committed cinemas nationwide respond to the wishes or needs of their audience with varied offers," says the Association of German Film Theaters (HDF Kino). Christian Bräuer, CEO of Yorck Cinema, emphasizes the importance of community in these events, stating, "Cinema is more than just watching movies - it's a shared experience." This has led to increased visitor numbers for smaller cinemas compared to larger ones in 2024, with over 90 million tickets sold.
Cinema operators continue to invest in venue enhancing initiatives, but admit to the need for support to fund major renovations due to the challenging economic climate and delayed film releases. Despite these challenges, the industry remains optimistic, with the release of sequels to successful films and numerous new productions for the current year.
- The Commission has also recognized the value of community, adopting a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of employees against risks related to exposure to carcinogens, acknowledging the importance of shared experiences in various sectors.
- Fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts and food-and-drink connoisseurs might find refreshing alternatives to the knitting events in cinemas, as movie theaters are now catering to diverse interests by offering coffee and cake screenings for families and reduced-volume screenings for those with sensitive ears.
- As relationships are paramount in building and sustaining communities, entertainment options such as knitting cinema events can serve as opportunities for people of all ages to come together, fostering connections between elderly women and young women at events like the one held at Berlin's Yorck Cinema.
- General-news outlets may be interested in reporting on the growth and evolution of cinemas as community hubs, going beyond their traditional role as film screening venues, and covering topics such as increased visitor numbers, renovation needs, and the impact of major film releases on the film industry.
