Insolvency in Mannheim: Odeon and Atlantis cinemas are fighting for the future

Von Kl Redaktion

Mannheim is in an unexpected situation because the cinemas Atlantis and Odeon had to register bankruptcy. This decision was triggered by a subsequent request from the Energy Caterer MVV, which the company plunged into a deep financial crisis. The amount of around 43,000 euros is based on an error that occurred in the accounts 16 years ago and has now suddenly become a burden.

The origin of the problem can be traced back to 2005. An incorrectly registered converter factor meant that the cinema had only paid for a fraction of its actual power consumption for years. This turned out to be a serious mistake that only appeared when a subsequent claim was made. Due to the statutory limitation period, the MVV was only able to claim claims for the past two and a half years, which complicated the situation for the Atlantis Filmtheaterbetriebsgesellschaft.

financial burden and the ways to bankruptcy

The Atlantis Filmtheaterbetriebsgesellschaft was forced to take bankruptcy due to the high additional payment claim. This happened to keep the cinemas from a complete closure. MVV, however, rejected the claims that it was responsible for bankruptcy. Sebastian Ackermann, press spokesman for the MVV, made it clear that there had been numerous maladministments over the years that the cinemas had financially favored. However, fair use of all MVV customers now requires a clear recovery.

Despite the bankruptcy, there is hope for cinemas. The operation of Atlantis and Odeon is to be continued, and bankruptcy is even considered an opportunity. Negotiations are currently taking place with a potential investor who has shown interest in taking over the two cinemas. This development could cause the two traditional cinemas in the Mannheim cinema landscape to receive a new, stable future.

Current developments and perspectives

The cinemas have a loyal followers, and both venues are an important part of cultural life for many citizens. The Atlantis cinema offers space for a total of 337 spectators, while the Odeon cinema has space for 128 visitors. Interestingly, reports in the local press consider the planks of light games that are already working on the renovation of the former Cineplex to take over the two cinemas. A positive turnaround seems to be hinted at in the negotiations, but the opening of the renovated cinplex has now been delayed and is now only expected at the end of this year or early 2025.

The situation around the cinemas atlantis and Odeon is an example of the complexity of the cinema business and the challenges with which many companies are confronted. The unexpected financial currents, as caused by a historical accounting error, illustrate the fragility and at the same time the resistance of leisure activities in a rapidly changing economic landscape.