Filmtheater am Friedrichshain
Prenzlauer Berg | Bötzowstraße 1-5, 10407 Berlin
Nestled by Volkspark Friedrichshain, this century-old heritage cinema marries film history with cutting-edge laser projection. Five unique screening rooms have been launching cinematic obsessions for generations, while the beer garden provides the perfect setting for post-film deep dives.
Laser in all halls, 4K in Hall 1 & 2
Air conditioned with fresh air
About
With its classicist facade and imposing staircase, the Filmtheater rises in front of the Volkspark Friedrichshain. As one of Berlin's largest art-house cinemas - affectionately dubbed "FaF" by guests and staff alike - it has enjoyed great popularity for decades. And in the summer, the beer garden next to the movie theater is particularly tempting for stimulating conversations late into the evening.
History
Since its opening in 1925 under the name Olympia, the building has been operated continuously as a cinema. Undamaged by the Second World War, the cinema reopened in September 1945. It was nationalized in the GDR. After the fall of communism, it was threatened with demolition, but the Treuhand had reckoned without the neighborhood and the resistance of the citizens' initiative “Pro Kiez”. After years of tug-of-war, director Michael Verhoeven took over the cinema and brought the Yorck Cinema Group on board. In 1996, it opened as an arthouse cinema with five unique screens and a varied program.American independent films are shown alongside European and German works, regularly also in their original version. The FaF explicitly dedicates itself to children's and youth cinema: A sophisticated school program runs daily, and the annual French children's film festival Cinefête, the British school film weeks Britfilms, the Berlinale youth film program Generation, as well as the children's short film festival KuKi take place here. Short films can also be seen as part of the Interfilm Festival. Current French and Francophone productions are shown before their official cinema release during the ranzösische Filmwoche.Every Monday, a loyal regular audience allows itself to be surprised by upcoming films in the "Sneak Preview." And every year, the Heilige Sneak Preview Nacht takes place here when particularly beautiful film previews are shown in a Christmas atmosphere on December 24th.
1925
The Olympia Filmtheater opens with 1,200 seats and an orchestra pit. Built according to designs by architect Otto Werner, the building is now a listed building.1930s
UFA takes over the movie theater. From now on it is called "Ufa-Theater Friedrichshain". After the Nazis seized power, mainly Nazi propaganda films are shown here.1945
The building is damaged by the war, but film screenings can still take place on a small scale. Only 250 seats remain after renovation work.1995
The Yorck Group takes over the building. As part of the remodeling work, set designer Vera Dobroschke designs five separate movie theaters.2010
The FaF is also equipped with digital technology. It even has 3D: the FaF is the first arthouse cinema to show Alice in Wonderland and Pina, among others.2020
The lights stay off in the Lockdown, but the façade is renovated in accordance with the preservation order.Accessibility
Partially accessible
Call our guest service to contact our staff in advance:
030 322 931 322
Main entrance: Several steps at the main entrance. Accessible via an elevator on the side of the building at Bötzowstraße. In summer, access also possible via beer garden without steps.Restrooms: Barrier-free restroom available.Hall 1: Accessible. A side entrance leads directly to the aisle in front of the first row (service staff must be informed).Hall 2: Accessible at ground evel, however there are several steps to the seating area. Hall 3: Several steps to the hall.Hall 4: Several steps to the Hall. Accessible at ground level via the emergency exit. Please inform the staff upon arrival. Hall 5: Accessible only via multiple stairs.
Gallery
Specials
What's on
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Sentimental Value
Drama
|
133 min
|
FSK 12
The Moment
Drama
|
103 min
|
FSK 12
Green Screen Filmtour 25/26
Documentary
|
100 min
|
-
Triegel trifft Cranach
Documentary
|
107 min
|
FSK 0
One Battle After Another
Thriller
|
170 min
|
FSK 16
Screen Legends
Great film classics every monthGreat films belong in the cinema on the big screen. Whether for anniversaries or as a complement to current fil... (More)09.10.2025 - 31.12.2025
3 Cinemas
Presale: The Moment
this is an advanced ticket sale btwa movie about brat and a tour but none of it happened but maybe some of it did – now on presale. . (More)19.02.2026 - 24.02.2026
3 Cinemas
Special Screening: Yellow Letters
In the presence of director İlker ÇatakFollowing the internationally acclaimed and award-winning film DAS LEHRERZIMMER (The Teacher's Room), Oscar®-no... (More)25.02.2026 at 19:30
Filmtheater am Friedrichshain
Special Screening: Green Screen Filmtour 25/26
The best nature documentaries of the year on cinema tourThe most fascinating films from Europe's largest nature film festival – back on tour in spring 2026! Every year... (More)28.04.2026 at 20:00
Filmtheater am Friedrichshain
German Premiere: Am I Losing My Mind?
In the presence of the director, producers, and protagonistsWho are we when everything changes? Following her international festival success with “Fat Front,” Danish direc... (More)04.03.2026 at 20:00
Filmtheater am Friedrichshain
Sneak Preview
Surprise screenings before German releaseThe Sneak Preview is the ultimate tip for movie lovers. Watch a film ahead of its official release and potentia... (More)08.03.2023 - 31.12.2025
3 Cinemas
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