Future of the film nights in Dresden: dispute over diversity and changes!

Future of the film nights in Dresden: dispute over diversity and changes!

The film nights on the banks of the Elbe in Dresden face exciting changes! From June 19 to August 24, the popular open-air cinema on the royal bank will open its doors again and offer a diverse program that not only inspires cineastes. The organizers have big plans to increase the variety and integrate new formats that take into account the wishes of the audience. New artistic impulses that include more artists and international programs are planned. A look into the future is also necessary, because in 2024 the last round could possibly be if no solutions for existing uncertainties are found (https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen/dresden-radbeul/filmnaechte-stadt-streit-stiertuer-zukunge-100.html).

A special focus is on new ticket prices: regularly a ticket now costs EUR 12.50, while the price for family cinema remains at EUR 7.50. These are just a few of the innovations that visit visitors, including 91 films that are shown this year - including highlights such as "Paddington in Peru" on August 13th and a midnight cinema with "The Big Lebowski" on August 5, where bathrobes are expressly desired. Concerts are also an integral part of the program, with well-known names such as Ski Aggu and Nina Chuba in line-up. A big climax will be the dirty dancing night on August 2, as Radio Dresden reports.

construction work and new security concepts

For the open-air cinema, structural changes on the Carol Bridge are also necessary. Although the demolition work is currently underway, the event is carried out as planned. Visitors are to be offered a well thought -out visitor tour as a “one -way street” to ensure undisturbed access. The main access will be on the Augustsusite on the Elberadweg, while additional access for the family cinema and people with disabilities is made possible on the Carolase side.

The organizers think about a security and access concept, especially after the bridge collapse in September 2024. Technical measures, such as the use of a water hose to reduce dust, are part of the plan not to impair visitor experience.

A look at the challenges

The film nights are not only a cult event, but also fight for their future. The investment backlog, reinforced by uncertainties from the Corona period, makes the organizers worry about visibility and financial stability. In a letter to the city, it has already been pointed out that no significant investments can be made under the current conditions. There are also concerns with regard to a possible concession contract that could make the continuation of the concept more difficult, according to the report of [MDR] (https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/sachsen/dresden-radebeul/filmnaechte-stadt-streit-stukut-zuk.

Nevertheless, there is hope that the film nights in Dresden can not only be preserved, but can also be developed further. With the planned tender, the organizers make every effort to apply for the future and make the popular event accessible to a wider audience. All of this shows us positively at the upcoming events. More information is also available on the official website of the film nights here.