Arsenal Kino

The Arsenal: A Vibrant Center for Film and Video Art

Berlin's Premier Art-House Cinema and Archive

Das Arsenal - Institut für Film und Videokunst is a renowned institution in Berlin's thriving film and video art scene. With a bustling cinema, comprehensive archive, and robust distribution network, the Arsenal has been a beacon for cinephiles and filmmakers for decades. Its programming showcases groundbreaking independent films, arthouse masterpieces, and experimental works from around the globe.

Independent Spirit at the Berlinale

The Arsenal plays a pivotal role in the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), organizing the esteemed Forum and Forum Expanded sections. These platforms offer a unique space for emerging and established filmmakers to present their unconventional and thought-provoking works, fostering artistic dialogue and pushing the boundaries of cinema.

A New Home and a Rich Legacy

While the Arsenal has long called the Filmhaus am Potsdamer Platz home, it will embark on a new chapter in 2026. The institution will relocate to the historic Westhalle of the silent green Kulturquartier in Berlin's vibrant Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district. This move promises to reinvigorate the Arsenal's presence and reaffirm its commitment to supporting independent filmmaking.

Since its inception in the 1960s, the Arsenal has played a pivotal role in preserving and showcasing the heritage of cinema. Its extensive archive houses a vast collection of classic and contemporary films, making it a treasure trove for film scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.

As a leading distributor of independent films, the Arsenal has played a vital role in bringing groundbreaking works to local audiences. Its network spans Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, ensuring that innovative and challenging films reach their intended viewers.

Das Arsenal - Institut für Film und Videokunst is a vibrant and multifaceted institution that has left an indomitable mark on the world of film. Its tireless commitment to independent filmmaking, preservation, and distribution has made it an indispensable part of Berlin's cultural landscape.