Cinema Subscriptions Expand Across Europe

New Model Promises Unlimited Access for Fixed Monthly Fee

A popular subscription model for cultural access, pioneered by Cineville in the Netherlands, is now reaching new audiences across Europe. Originally a Dutch initiative launched in 2009, the bio subscription card has expanded its reach to Belgium, Germany, Austria, and most recently, Sweden.

Boosting Cinema Attendance

The Cineville card offers subscribers unlimited entry to a curated selection of cinemas for a set monthly price. This initiative aims to revitalize cinema attendance, which saw a 8% decline in Sweden last year. “They have to be easier to go to the cinema and then the price is an important factor,” explains **Mathias Holtz**, an initiator and president of Europe Cinemas.

So far, 600 individuals have signed up for the Swedish launch, a figure **Holtz** considers promising given the short timeframe. The current network encompasses 11 cinemas in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and Lund, with plans to add at least ten more locations, including Västerås, Uppsala, and Iggesund, throughout the autumn.

Affordable Access and International Perks

The monthly subscription costs SEK 295, with a reduced rate of SEK 250 for individuals under 28. This contrasts with the typical SEK 140 cost of a single cinema ticket. Subscribers can also use their cards internationally during August, gaining access to cinemas in cities like Berlin, Amsterdam, and Vienna. The Cineville collaboration currently includes 196 cinemas spread across 78 cities.

“It would be fun if there were also some Dutch or German cineaster here to watch movies,” remarked **Holtz**, highlighting the cross-border appeal of the service.