The historic Alte Kino Lychen in Uckermark, Germany, will soon have a modern steward. As of March 1st, 2026, the city council has approved a lease agreement with the “Soziokulturelles Zentrum – Altes Kino Lychen” (iG) association, ensuring the continuation of the beloved cultural venue. This decision follows a period of uncertainty after the previous operator, Helge Hoefs, stepped down at the end of 2025, prompting a swift and passionate response from the local community.
The Alte Kino, meaning “Old Cinema,” has become a vital hub for residents of all ages, a legacy built by Hoefs and his wife, Christine, since 2021. Their departure sparked immediate concern, but also a remarkable display of civic engagement. Within weeks, a citizen initiative of over 50 people formed, united by a shared desire to preserve the cinema’s spirit and function. This groundswell of support directly led to the creation of the “Soziokulturelles Zentrum – Altes Kino Lychen” association on January 6th, with 45 individuals signing up as founding members.
A Community Rallies to Save a Landmark
The city of Lychen formally initiated a process to find a new tenant for the building, inviting expressions of interest by January 15th. The association submitted a proposal, ultimately becoming the sole applicant. Sylke Wienold, chairwoman of the association, presented their vision to the city council’s social committee on January 20th, receiving strong encouragement for their plans. The subsequent unanimous vote by the city council to approve the lease solidified the future of the Alte Kino.
The transition promises to be seamless, allowing the association to build directly upon the foundation laid by Hoefs. He transformed the space into a vibrant center for culture and community and the new operators intend to honor that legacy. The association’s commitment reflects the deep affection residents hold for the cinema, a sentiment that became clear in the immediate aftermath of Hoefs’ announcement in November 2025, as reported by Nordkurier.de.
More Than Just a Cinema
The Alte Kino’s significance extends beyond simply showing films. It has become a focal point for a variety of activities and gatherings. Helge Hoefs also found success as a musician, releasing the album “Liebe in Sepia” recorded entirely within the cinema’s walls, as detailed on his Bandcamp page. The space also hosts the “Wir sind ein Lied” – “We are a Song” – inclusive choir, led by Christine Hoefs and Helge Hoefs.
This choir, founded in Berlin in 2011, welcomes singers of all ages and abilities, including individuals with disabilities. Rehearsals take place every Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Alte Kino, and no prior musical experience is required. The choir’s mission, as outlined on alteskinolychen.de, is to foster community, creativity, and inclusion through music.
Looking Ahead
The city council’s decision represents a vote of confidence in the association’s ability to continue and expand upon the Alte Kino’s role as a cultural cornerstone. The association’s plans for the future remain to be fully detailed, but the enthusiastic support of the community and the smooth transition from the previous management suggest a bright future for this cherished local institution. The next step will be the official handover of the keys on March 1st, 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Alte Kino Lychen.
The preservation of local cultural spaces like the Alte Kino is increasingly important in a rapidly changing world. This story serves as a powerful example of how community action can safeguard treasured landmarks and ensure their continued relevance for generations to reach. Share your thoughts on the importance of local cinemas and cultural centers in the comments below.
Worth a look
