As Luxembourg has three official languages, films are offered in several formats and it is important to check the language of the film when choosing a screening. In general, cinemas offer films in the original version with subtitles in the official languages of the country, and major international productions may be translated directly into French or German. If you are looking for a cinema in Luxembourg in English, this will not be a problem as many of the original versions are in English.
Luxembourg Film Industry
Before diving into the best cinemas in Luxembourg, it is interesting to look at the country's burgeoning film industry. Despite its small size, Luxembourg has a dynamic and growing film industry. With around 40 production companies having produced over 650 films, the industry now supports approximately a thousand people. This development didn't happen overnight, so let’s take a look at its origins and evolution.
40
film companies are producing films in Luxembourg
1986
Samsa Film, the first production company in Luxembourg, emerged
1991
Luxembourg hosted its first international filming “Dracula the Series”
2014
Luxembourgish/French animated short film Monsieur Hublot won an Oscar
Humble Beginnings
Until the 1990s, filmmaking in Luxembourg was largely the domain of passionate amateurs. Directors such as Andy Bausch, Frank Hoffmann, Paul Kieffer, and the Thiltges brothers made films with limited resources and an artisanal approach.
First Professional Productions
The first professional production company, Samsa Film, was established in 1986. In 1990, the Ministry of Culture financed the first professional feature film in Luxembourgish, "Schacko Klak" by Frank Hoffmann and Paul Kieffer, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the country's independence. This marked the creation of the Film Fund Luxembourg and the introduction of state subsidies for filmmaking.
International Expansion
In 1991, Luxembourg hosted its first international shoot with "Dracula the Series." To attract more productions, the country promoted its film industry in the United States, drawing stars such as Al Pacino, Monica Bellucci, and Emma Watson to film in Luxembourg.
Recognitions and Awards
Luxembourg’s film industry has garnered significant recognition. The first Luxembourgish short film, "Les danseurs d’Echternach," was selected for the Cannes Film Festival in 1947. In 1999, Nathalie Baye won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival. The 2001 film "Le Club des chômeurs," entirely Luxembourgish, was the first to sell 40,000 tickets in Luxembourg. In 2015, "Le tout Nouveau Testament" by Jaco Van Dormael received 10 Golden Globe nominations and 5 awards. More recently, "The Breadwinner," co-produced by Melusine Productions, was nominated for an Oscar in 2018.
Evolution and Future
Animation has also been a standout genre, with successes like "Ernest et Célestine" and the Oscar-winning "Monsieur Hublot" in 2014. The industry continues to evolve, with projects like "Super Jump," the first Luxembourgish superhero blockbuster, currently in development.
Film events in Luxembourg
Before we jump into the top cinemas in Luxembourg, it's important to highlight the vibrant film events that the country hosts. Luxembourg offers more than just theaters showcasing the latest blockbusters; it also boasts a variety of dedicated film events that attract cinephiles year-round. While we won’t cover every event in detail, here are some key festivals and screenings to keep on your radar.
Luxembourg City Film Festival
Held annually in February and March, the Luxembourg City Film Festival is one of the most prominent events in the country's cultural calendar. This festival features a diverse selection of films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, and short films. It also offers a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work.
City Open Air Cinema
During the summer, the City Open Air Cinema provides a unique experience by screening films outdoors. This event transforms public spaces in Luxembourg City into open-air theatres allowing moviegoers to enjoy films under the stars. It's a popular event that combines the love of cinema with the charm of summer evenings.
Italian Film Festival in Villerupt
Each autumn, the nearby town of Villerupt hosts the Italian Film Festival, celebrating Italian cinema. This event attracts many visitors from Luxembourg and offers a selection of the best contemporary Italian films, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation of Italian film artistry.
Central and Eastern European Film Festival
CinéEast is a festival dedicated to showcasing films from Central and Eastern Europe. Held in various locations across Luxembourg, this festival takes place in autumn and features a rich program of films, including dramas, comedies, and documentaries.
Other festivals
We have previously covered the British and Irish Film festival, held in Luxembourg in 2023 with a program. Read our piece about the event.
Most popular cinemas in Luxembourg
In this section we will take a look at the cinema theatres operating in the Grand Duchy: various schedules and locations allow a big choice, and we are willing to recommend a few.
Kinepolis
Kinepolis is a leading name in the Luxembourg movie theater scene, with three state-of-the-art cinemas that offer a premium movie-going experience.
Kinepolis in Kirchberg
Kinepolis Utopia in Limpertsberg
Kinepolis in Esch-Belval
Caramba cinemas
Average prices
Open dailyClosed at 23:00
Continuing our exploration of Luxembourg's cinema offerings, we come to Caramba Cinemas, which operates two unique theaters: CineKursaal in Rumelange and CineWaasserhaus in Mondorf-les-Bains.
MON — SUN
14:00 – 23:00
CineKursaal in Rumelange
CineWaasserhaus in Mondorf-les-Bains
CineClub Le Paris in Bettembourg
Average prices
Open dailyClosed at 22:00
Ciné Le Paris instantly transports visitors back to the 1980s thanks to the sign that identifies it, or more precisely, to 1978 when the current managing association took over the cinema. In addition, the cinema maintains a charming tradition that consists of the use of a red curtain that opens before the beginning of each film and closes when it ends. They claim to be the only cinema in Luxembourg that still follows this practice, which they believe adds a touch of class.
MON — SUN
14:00 – 22:00
Movie screenings usually start at 14:00 and 20:00
Despite these nostalgic elements, Cine Le Paris offers modern projection technology and a state-of-the-art sound system. The cinema features a 170-seat auditorium with a large screen measuring 12 by 5.5 meters. The seating is arranged to ensure good visibility from all parts of the theater, with nearly double the usual legroom between rows.
The programming at Cine Le Paris is diverse, featuring international films that cater to all audiences. This blend of old-world charm and modern amenities makes Cine Le Paris a unique destination for moviegoers in Luxembourg.
CinéStarlight in Dudelange
Average prices
Open dailyClosed at 22:00
Established in 2007, CinéStarlight in Dudelange features two screening rooms with 144 and 50 seats, respectively. Together, these theatres offer approximately 46 sessions per week. In addition to regular screenings, CinéStarlight hosts special events, including meet-ups, debates, and premieres, as well as traditional "ciné-goûters" for younger audiences.
MON — SUN
10:00 – 22:00
You can see the full time schedule of the movie screenings on the website
CinéStarlight places a strong emphasis on education in the visual arts. Throughout the year, the cinema welcomes school groups for screenings followed by discussions with experts, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of film. CinéStarlight also hosts festivals, such as the Italian Film Festival of Villerupt and the Luxembourg City Film Festival.
Cinemaacher in Grevenmacher
Average prices
Open dailyClosed at 22:00
Cinemaacher is a cozy cinema in Grevenmacher with 78 seats, offering 11 weekly screenings. It showcases a mix of the latest blockbusters and a diverse selection of indie films.
MON — SUN
10:00 – 22:00
You can see the full time schedule of the movie screenings on the website.
In addition to regular screenings, Cinemaacher allows for the organization of children's birthday parties and school screenings upon request.
Every July, the Moonlight Cinema event features two outdoor movie sessions. Starting at 8:00 PM, the evening kicks off with a fun quiz. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs, loungers, and blankets to get comfortable. The cinema and bar provide delicious food and drinks, creating a delightful movie-going experience under the stars.
Cinema Scala in Diekirch
Average prices
Open dailyClosed at 22:00
Cinema Scala, located on the site of a former lumber mill, is conveniently situated next to the railway station, making it easily accessible. Additionally, ample parking spaces are available next to the cinema.
MON — SUN
13:00 – 22:00
You can see the full time schedule of the movie screenings on the website.
Managed by the city of Diekirch, Cinema Scala boasts five screening rooms, each equipped with colourful, extra-wide seats for exceptional comfort. The cinema utilises 4K projection technology and features a 7.1 sound system in most of its theatres. Notably, Theater 1 offers the exclusive Dolby Atmos sound system, providing an unforgettable auditory experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Source: infos.rtl.lu, www.luxfilmfest.lu, www.vdl.lu, festival-villerupt.com, www.cineast.lu, festivalevents.lu, business.kinepolis.lu, www.caramba.lu, www.caramba.lu, www.leparis.lu, cinestarlight.lu, www.kulturhuef.lu, www.cinescala.lu
We took photos from these sources: Luxembourg City Film Festival, City Open Air Cinema, Italian Film Festival in Villerupt, CinEast - Central and Eastern European Film Festival, British & Irish Film Festival Luxembourg (BIFFL), business-events.lu, Paperjam, mondorf.lu, Cinextdoor, CinéStarlight, lux-trier.info, Myke Simon on Unsplash
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