The Salzburg Cinema: Arthouse tradition and culture in the heart of the old town

The Salzburg Cinema: Arthouse tradition and culture in the heart of the old town

In Salzburg's picturesque old town, where tradition meets culture, the cinema at Giselakai has been offering a very special film experience for over 40 years. Renate Wurm, the managing director of Das Kino, describes it as a “large niche cinema” that specializes primarily in arthouse films. These films, which are often produced outside the mainstream and are usually shown in their original versions, have secured the cinema a permanent place in the city's cultural life. “We are an enrichment for cultural life in Salzburg,” emphasizes Wurm, while the cinema remains an important point for the revitalization of the city center.

The history of the cinema goes back to 1918, when the “Zum goldenen Engel” inn was converted into a cinema. Within six decades, the cinema developed into an institution of Salzburg film culture. In recent years, the cinema has invested a lot in technical facilities to meet today's requirements. The foyer was made barrier-free and the sanitary facilities were also modernized. In 2022, Wurm didn't want to believe that the corona-related decline in cinema attendance could ever be overcome: "I thought the cinema would never recover," she says, but the return in visitors shows that "going to the cinema" is still an issue.

Successful film screenings and festivals

The cinema cannot complain about its economic development: every year around 80,000 visitors flock to the light-flooded halls, which were recently equipped with air-conditioning facilities. The start of 2024 was particularly successful, with premieres of Adrian Goiginger's film “Rickerl” and Josef Hader's “Andrea Gets a Divorce”. “It was a great start to the year for us, the halls were full,” says Wurm happily. The program selection, which also highlights local productions, is highly appreciated by viewers.

The cinema also hosts a traveling cinema, which has become more established in recent years. During the summer months it brings films to the people, with outdoor screenings at various locations. "This idea has taken on a life of its own. We are always fully booked," says Wurm. The traveling cinema not only increased awareness of film culture outside the city limits, but also helped establish the cinema as a brand.

Special features in the cinema program and the future of cinema

The cinemas in the city center are important for Salzburg's cultural offering, and Wurm emphasizes the importance of healthy competition. "It's important that there are cinemas in a city center. I'm happy when people go to the cinema," she explains. Not only does the cinema remain a haven for film connoisseurs, but it also attracts younger audiences, although there are some challenges along the way. “I always try to do something to attract a younger audience,” says Wurm.

Important events such as the Mountain Film Festival, which takes place from November 13th to 24th, and the Latin American Film Festival, which takes place every two years, illustrate the role of cinema as a center of film culture in Salzburg. Wurm is optimistic about the future and sees the cinema not just as a place for film screenings, but as a place where film art and tradition are combined.

For more information about ongoing events and program items, visit www.meinkreis.at.