Kinopolis, a fourth-generation family business, celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2025, marking over a century of exceptional contributions to the cinema landscape. Today, it stands as one of Germany’s leading exhibitors, with 19 locations, 159 screens and 28,500 seats.
Since 2004, under Dr. Gregory Theile’s leadership, Kinopolis has consistently set new standards in cinema exhibition, combining state-of-the-art technology with a strong commitment to premium experiences. It continues to expand and enhance its locations, with the recent launch of Kinopolis Bad Homburg in 2023 and the brand new Kinopolis HafenCity in Hamburg, which opened on April 8th 2025. Meanwhile, flagship sites such as the Mathäser Filmpalast – for a number of years Germany’s most-visited cinema – continue to thrive.
Welcoming today’s announcement, Phil Clapp, President of UNIC, said:
“We are thrilled to recognise Kinopolis and Dr. Gregory Theile at CineEurope 2025. This award celebrates the company’s unwavering dedication to elevating cinema through technology and premium experiences, while preserving a 120-year family legacy. Kinopolis exemplifies the resilience and future of our industry and sets a benchmark for others to follow.”
Andrew Sunshine, President of The Film Expo Group, added:
“CineEurope is proud to honour Kinopolis and Dr. Gregory Theile for their visionary leadership and remarkable contributions to German and European exhibition.”
Receiving news of the award, Dr. Gregory Theile, Managing Partner of Kinopolis, commented:
“It is a great honour to receive the CineEurope Milestone Award on behalf of the entire Kinopolis team. For over 120 years, we have celebrated cinema in all its forms — committed both to its rich tradition and its bright future. This recognition strengthens our mission to keep offering our guests an outstanding cinema experience — defined by cutting-edge quality, innovative concepts, exceptional comfort and passionate service. My sincere thanks go to UNIC and Film Expo Group for this meaningful distinction, and to our incredible team and partners who have been part of this journey.”
About Kinopolis
Kinopolis is a fourth-generation family business and one of Germany’s leading cinema chains, with a legacy spanning 120 years. Headquartered in Darmstadt, the company operates 19 locations featuring 159 screens and 28,500 seats, including iconic venues like Munich’s Mathäser Filmpalast – Germany’s most visited cinema. Renowned for innovation, Kinopolis pioneered premium formats such as Dolby Cinema and in-seat dining, while continually investing in cutting-edge technology like Onyx LED screens and DBOX motion seating. With a commitment to exceptional guest experiences, Kinopolis remains a driving force in shaping the future of cinema. Equally committed to sustainability, Kinopolis was the first cinema chain in Germany to fully transition to reusable cups across all its locations – setting new standards for environmentally responsible cinema operations.
About CineEurope
CineEurope 2025 will take place on 16-19 June at the Centre Convencions Internacional Barcelona (CCIB) in Barcelona, Spain. CineEurope is the longest-running and most successful European convention and trade show for major, regional, and independent cinema professionals. CineEurope will feature exclusive screenings and product presentations of upcoming films, sponsored networking events, timely and informative seminars, and the CineEurope Trade Show. CineEurope is the Official Convention of the Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC).
About UNIC
The Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) represents the interests of cinema trade associations and cinema operators covering 39 countries in Europe and in neighbouring regions.
About Film Expo Group
The Film Expo Group is the premier organizer of events in the motion picture industry. The Film Expo Group produces CineEurope, held in Barcelona; ShowEast, held in Miami; and CineAsia, held in Bangkok.
For more information on CineEurope, visit https://filmexpos.com/cineeurope/
Media Contact:
Dawn Blaschick dawn.blaschick@filmexpos.com