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Hessian Prize for Sustainable Cinema: Heppenheim triumphs!
The Hessian Prize for Sustainable Cinema 2025 was awarded on June 11th to honor the commitment of Hessian cinemas to the environment and culture.
Hessian Prize for Sustainable Cinema: Heppenheim triumphs!
Last Wednesday evening the celebratory award ceremony for the Hessian Prize for Sustainable Cinema took place at the Cinema Wolfhagen. Arts and Culture Minister Timon Gremmels presented the awards, which recognize outstanding commitment to ecological and cultural sustainability in the country's cinemas. Due to the ongoing change in the film industry, this award is more than just an accolade - it is an important sign of the shift towards more environmentally friendly practices in the cinema sector.
The main winner, the Saalbau Lichtspiele Heppenheim, received prize money of 5,000 euros. This cinema stands out for its sustainable concepts, which include, among other things, the use of a heat recovery system and a photovoltaic system. It also holds successful events such as the “Abi Cinema Days” and the “Cinema of Cultures”. “We would like to set an example of how important sustainable action is in the film industry,” emphasized the minister in his speech.
Other award winners
The other nominated cinemas also did not go away empty-handed. The Gloria Kino Kassel received 2,000 euros for its historical renovation under ecological aspects as well as for its commitment to women's and girls' politics and the support of film students. The Filmbühne Bad Nauheim was also awarded 2,000 euros for its cultural sustainability and initiatives such as school variety shows and hearing barrier-free systems.
| cinema | equipment | Prize money |
|---|---|---|
| Saalbau Lichtspiele Heppenheim | Ecological measures including heat recovery and photovoltaic systems | €5,000 |
| Gloria Cinema Kassel | Renovation, social commitment | €2,000 |
| Bad Nauheim film stage | Inclusion, hearing barrier-free system | €2,000 |
| Lauterbach cinema | Commitment of the operator, local suppliers | €1,000 |
The Traumstern Lich cinema received honorable mentions for its cooperation with local initiatives and the Harmonie Filmtheater Frankfurt, which stands out for its social commitment to its employees.
Future of sustainable cinema
The Hessian Prize for Sustainable Cinema is awarded every two years by the Hessian Ministry of Science and Art and aims to promote innovative and sustainable concepts in the cinema industry. The jury consisted of experts such as Korina Gutsche, Christian Quis and Joerg Hermann, who paid particular attention to criteria such as resource and waste management, mobility and cultural sustainability. This award is also part of a larger initiative aimed at redefining the cinema as a cultural and social meeting place and minimizing the industry's environmental impact. The “Green Cinema” initiative is dedicated to encouraging cinemas to act more sustainably through a variety of measures and to provide best-practice solutions and advisory services.
Interested cinemas can submit their applications for the next award until April 25, 2025. It is not necessary to already have fully sustainable concepts; Initial approaches are also welcome. Together with *“Lust auf Besser Leben gGmbH”*, comprehensive support is offered, ranging from individual advice to home visits in order to exploit existing potential.
This award is not only a financial incentive system, but also ensures that Hessian cinemas have the chance to put their visions of sustainability into practice. Because a good cinema is a cinema that not only entertains, but also takes responsibility for the future.
The Green Film Movement and the many initiatives that link cinema and sustainability create a network that promotes the exchange of ideas and strategies. Here it becomes clear: There is something going on! Sustainability is no longer a long-term goal, but is becoming a reality - and not just in Hesse, but beyond the state's borders.
More information about the award ceremonies and the cinema sector in Hesse can be found on the website of the Hessian Ministry of Science and Art hessen.de, as well as at the Hesse Film and Cinema Office film-hessen.de and the “Green Cinema” initiative initiative-gruenes-kino.de.