Heat and blockbusters lift Styrian cinema attendance

Styrian cinemas have recorded attendance increases of 12 to 30 percent this August compared with the same month last year, according to ORF. Operators attribute the rise to the current film line-up, including several blockbusters, as well as this year’s heat.

Wolfgang Brandner of Diesel Kinos, which operates five locations in Styria, said attendance had surged in August after a moderate start to June and July. Compared with August last year, the chain was currently recording a 30 percent increase, he said.

Even afternoon screenings were drawing more visitors. Brandner said modern cinema centres offered more than films, with advanced technology, full air conditioning, bowling, arcades and restaurants also attracting customers.

Christof Papousek, managing director of Constantin Film-Holding and Cineplexx cinemas, which has five locations in Styria, said the companies expected to reach 300,000 visitors in the region by the end of August. That compared with about 270,000 last year, representing an increase of 12 to 13 percent across Styria.

Papousek, who is also the Styrian cinema industry spokesman at the Austrian Economic Chamber, said the summer of 2025 had also been successful for cinemas because of the film “Kanu des Manitu.”