Welcome to the Weltspiegelkino: Germany’s Cinema Crown Jewel
Ah, the esteemed Weltspiegelkino in Mettmann! The oldest cinema in Germany is like that vintage wine you find in the attic; it’s got character, history, and just the right amount of dust to keep things interesting!
The Man Behind the Magic
Enter Thomas Rüttgers, a cinema wizard who turned this historic venue into a modern marvel. This isn’t just about popcorn and the latest blockbuster; it’s about passion and a little bit of technical wizardry! Coming from a background in cinema technology, Thomas took the plunge into the cinematic world in 2016, and it’s like watching a magician pulling a rabbit out of a—err—projector!
And let’s not forget Julian, his son! It’s wonderful to see that cinema really is a family affair. One minute he’s changing diapers, the next he’s changing projectors. It’s like life’s own version of Jurassic Park, where the family business keeps evolving!
Four Years, Four Awards
Let’s talk about accolades, shall we? The Cinema Program Award is handed out like candy in North Rhine-Westphalia, and guess who’s bagged it for the fourth time running—yes, our beloved Weltspiegelkino! This year, they proudly pocketed a cool €8,000, and with a smile, Thomas remarked, “We feel confirmed”—as if to say, “A round of applause, please!” Who could resist cheering for that?
Keeping the Soul in Cinema
In a world where cinema chains feel more like shopping malls than theaters, the Weltspiegelkino thrives by holding onto its soul. They’ve transformed through troublesome times—certainly benefitting from the closure of a rival cinema in Wuppertal. But hey, a little competition never hurt anyone, right? It’s like finding a secret stash of nachos when you thought the bag was empty!
Someone shout “Hallelujah!” for the fact that visitor numbers doubled under Thomas’s keen eye, and now they’re back to pre-pandemic levels. His secret? A dash of charisma and a sprinkling of audience engagement. That’s when you know the audience isn’t just a number; they’re practically family!
More than Just Movies
The Weltspiegel isn’t content to simply screen films. They offer a cornucopia of events! From poetry slams to the brilliantly named VINO-KINO, where wine meets cinema—who doesn’t want a glass while watching the latest flick? And let’s pay homage to the curious culinary preferences of the Ukrainians who missed popcorn during the movie; it’s all about that cheese popcorn—who knew it was such a delicacy?
What’s Next on the Cinematic Horizon?
The Rüttgers duo has grand plans! With expansions in Ratingen and Monheim, they’re spreading their cinematic wings. But worry not; they’re not going to rest on their laurels. Next year, they plan to enhance Mettmann, transforming that cinema experience into something even more jaw-dropping. And yes, comfortable seats with thigh space shall ensue—because we all want to feel like royalty while tackling that oversized popcorn tub!
In Conclusion
The Weltspiegelkino isn’t just a cinema; it’s a community hub, a place where stories come to life, and popcorn is an art form. So, next time you find yourself in Mettmann, whether you’re a local or just passing through, give it a visit. Because where else can you experience a blend of cinematic mastery, modern technology, and a heartwarming community vibe, all wrapped up in the walls of Germany’s oldest cinema?
Grab your tickets, and let’s keep this cinematic legacy alive—because in Mettmann, the show must go on!
Thomas Rüttgers, Weltspiegelkino Mettmann | Photo: Ria Garcia
This year, the historic Weltspiegelkino in Mettmann proudly celebrates its legacy as Germany’s oldest cinema, a remarkable institution that has consistently distinguished itself in the world of film. For the fourth time in total and for the third consecutive year, it has been honored with the prestigious cinema program award.
In 2016, cinema technology expert Thomas Rüttgers assumed ownership of the Weltspiegelkino and skillfully transformed it into one of the most modern cinemas while preserving its historic charm. Originally hailing from the realm of cinema technology, Rüttgers only transitioned to operating a cinema later in his career. Today, he shares this passion with his son Julian, actively running the Weltspiegelkino alongside their other ventures, including the Studio Kino in Ratingen and, as of this year, the Emotion Kino Monheim, the largest location of the three. Their parallel enterprise, Ecco, ensures cutting-edge technology is consistently employed in these cinemas. Currently, while Julian manages daily operations, Thomas is dedicating more time to local engagements, especially as he embraces his new role as a grandfather, providing Julian some precious moments to adjust to fatherhood. It seems the next generation of cinema enthusiasts may be on the rise.
Cinema program award 2020, 2022, 2023 and now 2024
On November 13, 2024, the Film and Media Foundation NRW honored cinema operators from North Rhine-Westphalia with the Cinema Program Prize for the 34th time. The prize allocated a total of 1 million euros to 76 cinemas across North Rhine-Westphalia. The renowned Weltspiegelkino in Mettmann was rewarded with 8,000 euros, marking it as a recipient of the cinema program award for the fourth time. “We feel confirmed in our approach,” Thomas Rüttgers expressed in a recent interview, highlighting the cinema’s commitment to offering more than just the latest Hollywood blockbusters that typically draw crowds. These films, of course, still hold significant importance, especially after the pandemic years that brought considerable challenges to cinema owners.
Thomas Rüttgers | Photo: ©Hojabr Riahi / Film-und Medienstiftung NRW
As the cinema industry across the nation strives to reclaim visitor numbers from pre-pandemic levels of 2019, the Weltspiegelkino has impressively managed to achieve that feat as of last year. “Certainly, we benefitted somewhat from the closure of the cinema in Wuppertal for two years,” Rüttgers acknowledged. However, he noted that the loyal patronage from Wuppertal residents has significantly contributed to this success. “Our audience has shown remarkable loyalty. We deeply value this connection,” Rüttgers emphasized, reflecting on the community engagement they have fostered.
Since Rüttgers took charge of the Weltspiegel kino, the cinema’s visitor numbers have more than doubled, recovering to pre-pandemic levels, which he credits to the dedicated team of employees in Mettmann. “The longevity of our staff is quite rare in this industry,” he noted. “Many larger cinemas often lack a personal touch.” Throughout the pandemic, Rüttgers and his team ensured that they remained close to their audience, notably through the nostalgic drive-in cinema experience they offered in the Neanderbad parking lot, which alleviated the somber mood of the pandemic.
The Weltspiegelkino is celebrated for its diverse programming, extending beyond films to include various events such as poetry slams and puppet shows that captivate audiences. Particularly popular are the VINO-KINO events, which combine wine tastings with carefully selected films, consistently selling out. Recently, attendees enjoyed a cinematic journey to the Rioja region with the feature “The Land of a Thousand Wines.” The long-running Ukrainian film series, held on Saturday mornings for the past 1.5 years, has attracted a robust following from across the region, consistently reaching full capacity. “Interestingly, we’ve learned that Ukrainians prefer cheese popcorn rather than the typical sweet or salty options,” said Rüttgers, citing the cultural differences observed.
Among the cinema’s cherished offerings are the Sneak Preview events featuring surprise films, the Ladies Night tailored for female audiences, and the Generation Cinema, currently enjoying attendance figures that have already surpassed the pre-pandemic period. The inclusion of live broadcasts from prestigious venues like the Royal Opera House, alongside concerts featuring acts like Coldplay and André Rieu, further solidifies the cinema’s reputation and contributed to its receiving the esteemed program award.
And what comes next?
Rüttgers also expanded his cinema portfolio with the introduction of the Studio Kino in Ratingen and expressed delight at the enthusiastic reception they received from the local community. “We were pleasantly surprised by how much the people of Ratingen love their cinema,” Thomas informed, optimistic about the cinema being a contender for next year’s program award. Their recent venture, the Emotion Kino in Monheim, stands as their largest project to date, featuring 600 seats across six screening halls. For now, Rüttgers intends to focus on consolidating their achievements. “We’re dedicated to strengthening our existing operations,” he explained.
Next year promises to bring further investments in the Mettmann location as they approach their ninth anniversary under Rüttgers’ ownership. Following extensive renovations and the introduction of modern technology in his initial years, enhancements continued during the pandemic, including upgraded lighting and the conversion of a hall to accommodate a stage. Plans also include investing in improving the seating in at least one of the halls. “We aim to express our gratitude and solidarity with our dedicated cinemagoers,” Rüttgers asserted, highlighting their ongoing commitment to excellence.
– How does Weltspiegelkino blend tradition and innovation to enhance the movie-going experience?
G exclusive early screenings of upcoming films, where guests can delight in the suspense of not knowing what film they’ll see until the last moment. These events have become a fun tradition that adds an element of surprise and excitement to the cinema-going experience.
Weltspiegelkino’s commitment to enhancing the audience experience continues to evolve. As they prepare for new ventures and maintain their dedication to community engagement, Thomas Rüttgers emphasizes the importance of blending tradition with innovation. The planned enhancements for their Mettmann location promise to elevate the movie-going experience further—think plush seating and extended legroom, ensuring every patron feels like a VIP among a sea of popcorn and cinematic magic.
the Weltspiegelkino isn’t just any traditional cinema; it’s a beloved cornerstone of the local community that honors its rich history while embracing modern advancements. Under the stewardship of Thomas and Julian Rüttgers, it continues to thrive and adapt, drawing audiences from near and far. So whether you’re a film buff, a casual viewer, or simply someone in search of a unique night out, the Weltspiegelkino is a destination worth experiencing. Grab your tickets and immerse yourself in the wonder that is cinema in Mettmann—the legacy is alive and well, awaiting your presence.
