FAQ
What is the timeline?
2024: Last screening at Potsdamer Platz on December 15 // The Berlinale Forum and Forum Expanded teams move into their new offices at Gerichtstr. 53
2025: All other departments move to silent green Kulturquartier and Gerichtstr. 53 // Touring cinema: Selected film programs will be presented with cooperation partners in Berlin, nationwide and internationally
By 2026 at the latest: Opening of the new cinema in the west hall of silent green
What technical possibilities will the new cinema in silent green have?
According to the current state of planning:
Seats: 180
Rows: 13 rows with fixed seats, first row optional / seating as required
Screen size: approx. 9 m x 4 m
Analog film projection technology: all analog image formats: 8 mm, 16 mm, 35 mm, 70 mm
Digital projection: 4K DCP projector
Sound systems: Dolby Atmos, playback option for all sound formats
Live music: grand piano available in the hall
Conference technology: planned
Accessibility for wheelchair users: given
Accessibility for the hearing and visually impaired: in planning
What is the silent green Kulturquartier?
The silent green is an event venue and independent project that has found a unique home in Berlin in the historic premises of the former Wedding crematorium. Founded in 2013, the privately run cultural quarter sees itself as a protected space where people can think, research and experiment. The emphasis is on cross-formal and transdisciplinary work: The boundaries of individual artistic disciplines are to be pushed in order to link them into new, hybrid forms. The silent green has two focal points: Moving image and music.
Who is responsible for the conversion of the west hall and the planning of the movie theater?
The transformation of the west hall is largely being realized by silent green Kulturquartier, which – represented by Jörg Heitmann and Bettina Ellerkamp – is responsible for the project development and acts as the builder.
The architectural office Kombinativ, headed by Max Dengler, was commissioned with the conversion planning of the west hall. It has already been commissioned for parts of the transformation planning of silent green and its new studio building as well as the conversion planning and interior fit-out of the SAVVY Contemporary gallery.
The planning of the movie theater is carried out by Reiner Chemnitius. He directs the planning office for media technology TME Dr. Ing. Chemnitius & Partner, which specializes in audiovisual media in assembly halls and conference rooms. TME's clients include the Filmhaus, the Gloria Palast Munich, the Kinopolis Group, the Baden-Württemberg Film Academy, the Berlinale and the Arsenal.
Which principles are guiding the construction process?
The transformation of the heritage-protected west hall of the former crematorium into a cinema with state-of-the-art technology is carried out according to the same sustainable building principles which have guided the transformation of the silent green Kulturquartier since the beginning and have already won numerous awards. In the most recent years, silent green has been awarded the Ferdinand von Quast Medal (Berlin Prize for Monument Protection), the Berlin Award 2021, the FIABCI Prix d'exellence Germany 2020 and the "Applaus" prize for sustainability awarded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
How will the relocation and conversion work be financed?
The costs for the conversion work and the renovation of the west hall will be covered by silent green Kulturquartier as the landlord. The funds for the installation of the movie theater and the relocation costs will be provided by the Federal Commissioner for Culture and the Media.
Is the long-term existence of the Arsenal in silent green secured?
Silent green is carrying out the investments in the west hall and the office building Gerichtstraße 53 with the intention of offering Arsenal a long-term residence and has concluded a 20-year rental agreement with Arsenal. By guaranteeing a fair and fixed rental price for the entire period, silent green ensures that Arsenal has long-term prospects of staying.
