Mobile Bicycle Cinema ‘Ciné Vélo Cité’ to bring Munich stories to city districts
Munich, March 29 – This summer, a unique open-air cinema experience will be coming to the people of Munich. The mobile bicycle cinema, ‘Ciné Vélo Cité’, will tour various districts, presenting films by Munich filmmakers. Operating under the theme of ‘Munich Stories’, the cinema will visit Altstadt-Lehel, Ludwigs- and Isarvorstadt, Au-Haidhausen, and Ramersdorf-Perlach.
The project’s initiator, Tanja Krainhöfer, a film festival consultant and researcher, drew inspiration from Vienna. “I brought this idea for small neighborhood cinema screenings from Vienna,” Krainhöfer explains. “In Vienna, there has been a summer wandering cinema for 35 years, but it uses truck support.”
Self-sufficient operation anywhere
To realize this vision, Krainhöfer collaborated with media artist Patrik Thomas. “Last year, Patrik showed films outdoors at the Doku.fest at the Munich Film Academy with his converted cargo bike.” This innovative bicycle is equipped with a trailer, integrated projection technology, a sound system, and a foldable screen. The entire setup is powered by solar panels, allowing ‘Ciné Vélo Cité’ to operate autonomously in any location.
“We call this project ‘Filmcultural Intervention in Public Space’ and plan to start with eight screenings in four city districts this year,” says Tanja Krainhöfer. She emphasizes that no other cultural offering is as accessible as cinema. The primary goal is to offer both new residents and long-time Münchners a fresh perspective on their city and to foster dialogue among them.
Films by Munich directors to be featured
The cinema will exclusively showcase films by Munich directors that are set within the city. The specific filmmakers involved are yet to be announced. However, it has been confirmed that moderated film screenings will take place from late August to mid-September at various public squares, including Roecklplatz, Weißenburger Platz, Isartor, and within the Neuperlach residential area. Following each screening, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions with the filmmakers about life in Munich, including the challenges faced by the growing metropolis.
Neighbors and all interested individuals are invited to enjoy this free cultural experience. The project’s hashtag, #kinofüralle! (cinema for everyone!), reflects its inclusive nature. Krainhöfer and Thomas have ambitious plans for the future: “Next year, we aim to expand the project and transform around 40 locations across Munich into open-air cinema venues.”
However, the expansion hinges on securing funding from district committees, such as the one in Ludwigs- and Isarvorstadt, which has already expressed enthusiasm for this accessible cultural initiative. Krainhöfer adds, “Beyond the district committees, we are also seeking financial support from foundations and companies.” Further information about the project can be found at www.cinevelocite.de.
This initiative promises to enrich Munich’s cultural landscape, making cinematic art more accessible to its diverse population and fostering community engagement through shared storytelling.
Source: https://www.merkur.de/lokales/muenchen/das-mobile-fahrradkino-bringt-muenchner-geschichten-in-die-viertel-94236437.html
