Munich’s historic Sendlinger Tor cinema reimagined as a living cultural hub by Behind The tree streaming service
Table of Contents
- 1. Munich’s historic Sendlinger Tor cinema reimagined as a living cultural hub by Behind The tree streaming service
- 2. The Dings—A new kind of Munich cinema
- 3. Programs, partners and fresh ideas
- 4. A historical thread and a new stage for Munich
- 5. Key facts at a glance
- 6. Evergreen takeaways for regional cinema
- 7. What readers think matters
- 8. Why this matters beyond Munich
- 9. Did Frederick Lau play a role in saving a conventional cinema in Munich?
Dateline: Munich, January 2026
In a move that blends cinema, art and live events, a derelict 112‑year‑old cinema at Sendlinger Tor is being revived as a dynamic cultural venue. The initiative is driven by an avant‑garde artist collective, a seasoned event producer, and the independent streaming platform Behind The Tree, aiming to transform the space into an active “thing” rather than a conventional screening room.
Behind The Tree, created by Frederick Lau and Nicolas Solar Lozier, seeks to make provocative, high‑quality films accessible to broader audiences.The duo say thier mission goes beyond distributing titles; they want to reach communities where arthouse cinemas don’t exist and ensure deserving films are not relegated to obscurity.
The Dings—A new kind of Munich cinema
The Sendlinger Tor venue will host far more than film screenings. Teams are turning the hall into a multi‑use stage with immersive video mappings by the artist collective Broke.Today,alongside exhibitions,readings,concerts and live podcasts. the aim is to revive the cinema as a social space—an experience that brings people together rather than just serving as a place to watch films.
For the founders, accessibility and atmosphere are crucial. They want to recapture the social energy of cinema,viewing it as a communal ritual that has proven hard to sustain in the streaming era. The project is pitched as a creative solution to rising rents and dwindling single‑screen venues by offering a flexible, living venue that can host diverse programs and collaborations.
Programs, partners and fresh ideas
The team plans programming designed to engage audiences on multiple levels.In addition to screenings, the program will feature exhibitions, talks, live performances and other events, all anchored in a cinematic context. A marquee initiative is the “Oysters and Movies” series at the end of January, a concept they describe as celebrating film culture with a social, convivial twist rather than a formal dining mandate.
collaborations with established film bodies are already in view. The organizers have met with Munich’s Film Festival Directors and are exploring joint evenings that align with institutions such as the German Film Academy, the German Film Prize and the First Steps Award. This cooperative approach suggests a vision where a single venue can amplify young talent and award‑winning films alike.
Among the anticipated programming is a curated event featuring Alexandra Maria Lara and Sam Riley’s black‑and‑white English project “Bulk,” with plans to pair screenings with thoughtful culinary elements in the “Dinner, Drinks and Movies” format. The team also notes ongoing conversations about presenting a film with their own involvement while keeping the space audience‑focused rather than self‑promotional.
A historical thread and a new stage for Munich
Lau has long valued cinema as a place of shared emotion and cultural exchange. he regards the new Munich venture as a continuation of his family’s ethos—preserving meaningful art and creating spaces where artists can meet audiences. The founders’ prior work includes opening a cinema in Berlin’s hotel Michelberger, described as a model for blending cinema with broader cultural programming.
The Sendlinger Tor project envisions not only a permanent home for diverse programs but also a broader role for Munich’s cinema ecosystem. By fostering connections with local filmmakers, curators and festival directors, the space aims to host evenings that celebrate film and its neighbors in the arts—creating a long‑term, sustainable model for local cinema culture.
Key facts at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sendlinger Tor, Munich, Germany |
| initiative | Revival of a historic cinema as a living cultural hub |
| Founders | Behind The Tree streaming service; artist collective; event professional |
| Core concept | Multi‑use venue blending film, art, live events and community gatherings |
| Key programs | Screenings, exhibitions, readings, concerts, live podcasts, culinary events |
| Notable events | Oysters and Movies series; Dinner, Drinks and Movies; Behind The Tresen live podcast |
| Partnerships | Engagement with Munich Film Festival, Dok-fest, German Film Academy |
| Upcoming projects | Project “Bulk” with Alexandra Maria Lara and Sam Riley; “The White Goblin” depiction in discussions |
| Long-term goal | A permanent stage in Munich and a model for merging cinema with contemporary culture |
Evergreen takeaways for regional cinema
As streaming challenges traditional cinema, the idea of a cinema as a living cultural space is gaining traction. By pairing film with live events, visual art and communal experiences, venues can become anchors for local talent, festivals and audience engagement. the Sendlinger Tor project underscores the value of flexible programming, cross‑disciplinary partnerships and culinary or social formats that encourage audiences to stay longer and participate more deeply. If accomplished, this model could inspire similar initiatives in other cities facing the same pressures on single‑screen houses.
What readers think matters
Would you attend screenings that combine cinema with live performances or culinary experiences? Should cities invest in modular venues that adapt to different programs rather than a single screen? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
Why this matters beyond Munich
This venture reflects a broader shift toward experiential cinema—where the setting, the context and the social habitat are integral to the story told on screen. It also highlights collaboration between streaming platforms and traditional film institutions, a collaboration model that could shape European cinema’s future by bridging distribution, curators, festivals and local communities.
For more on Munich’s festival ecosystem, explore official festival sites such as the Munich film Festival and DokFest, which are exploring partnerships that align with this new cinema concept. External resources: Munich Film Festival, DokFest, German Film Academy.
What aspects of this revived cinema excite you the most? Do you see value in a venue that blends film with art, talks and food? Leave your thoughts in the comments and help shape the conversation.
Share this story and tell us what programs you’d like to see in a living cinema space.
Did Frederick Lau play a role in saving a conventional cinema in Munich?
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