Blog post - 15. Jun 2026

Last Friday, the first neighborhood cinema in Pölbitz demonstrated how the “Engagiert im Quartier” project is bringing new cultural vitality to the neighborhood.

The SattHappen hosted the premiere of the new “Kino um’s Eck” format, which immediately generated a great deal of interest. The dining area filled up well before the film began, and many guests combined their movie outing with a shared dinner. In addition to classic home-style dishes, small cheese platters and warm popcorn were served to complement the French opening film, creating a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. People from Pölbitz and other parts of Zwickau came together, including families, seniors, couples, regulars at SattHappen, and curious visitors. By the end, there was hardly a seat left.

Shortly before 7 p.m., the coordinator of the Engagiert im Quartier project, together with community volunteers and owner Nancy Bauer, welcomed the attendees and provided a brief overview of the concept behind the new initiative.

Then the film *Welcome to the Sticks* began, considered one of the most popular French comedies. The first laughs came quickly and gradually spread throughout the room. The shared movie experience created a lively atmosphere that perfectly reflected the character of the new neighborhood cinema. At the end, there was applause and plenty of positive feedback. The guests went home in high spirits, taking with them the feeling of being part of a new cultural offering in the neighborhood.

The premiere demonstrates the potential of neighborhood-based cultural initiatives. The neighborhood cinema fosters connections, strengthens ties to the community, and opens up new opportunities for participation. It complements existing community outreach activities and makes culture more visible in everyday life. The positive response underscores that accessible cultural offerings can bring people from diverse backgrounds together.

More movie nights are planned for the coming months. In July, the summer season will kick off with *My Wonderfully Strange Week with Tess*. The new neighborhood cinema helps to promote diversity and cultural enrichment in the community and demonstrates how the Alter Gasometer e. V. association, in collaboration with *Engagiert im Quartier*, is creating spaces for people to come together and share experiences.