The International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) is proud to announce the first winner of its 2025 ICTA EMEA Awards: EMOTION Kino Monheim am Rhein, Germany, has been named Best New Build Cinema of the Year.
This prestigious award recognises outstanding technological excellence, design, and innovation in cinema exhibition. EMOTION Kino Monheim am Rhein impressed the selection committee with its unique blend of high-end design, boutique character, and cutting-edge technology, including a Premium Large Format (PLF) auditorium. Its role as a vibrant community cinema in the heart of Monheim am Rhein further underlines its significance and made it stand out among a strong field of nominations.
The award will be presented on 15th June 2025 during ICTA’s annual EMEA Awards Reception in Barcelona, just before the start of CineEurope.
Additional ICTA EMEA Award winners – in the categories Best Cinema Refurbishment and Best Arthouse Cinema – will be announced in the coming weeks.
Mark Mayfield, ICTA President, congratulates the winners:
“EMOTION Kino Monheim am Rhein sets a bold new standard with its boutique design and cutting-edge technology. In a market like Germany, where premium boutique cinema concepts remain relatively rare, this is a remarkable achievement — especially in a growing, but not major, city. It’s a shining example of how local cinemas can lead the way in reimagining the moviegoing experience. Congratulations to Julian Rüttgers and Thomas Rüttgers for this great achievement!”
A Cinema Built for the Community
Located in the centre of Monheim am Rhein, EMOTION Kino features 570 seats across six uniquely designed auditoriums, offering a mix of blockbuster cinema, European film, alternative content (Event Cinema), and private events.
EMOTION Kino is a destination: its striking foyer and individualised auditoriums aim to spark emotion and inspire connection. The venue is a joint achievement of Deutsche Theaterbau (planning and execution), Quadrat P Raum + Licht (design), and ECCO Cine Supply and Service GmbH (technology partners). Technical highlights include CINITY, Ultimate, Ultimate Studio, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Surround 7.1, D-BOX motion seating, RealD 3D, and Strong MDI screens. The cinema features seating from Euroseating, Encore, and Infinity Seating.
Statements from the Operators
Julian Rüttgers: “Our vision was to create a cinema that inspires people to head into town again — a place filled with joy and passion. We aim to evoke emotions through our unique foyer, six individually designed auditoriums, and a diverse programme that includes films, live events, and special screenings. Thank you, ICTA, for recognising our commitment to the future of cinema with this special award.”
Thomas Rüttgers, commented: “As a long-time ICTA Board Member, I appreciate this recognition all the more. Competition in the German and European market is fierce, which makes me incredibly proud that my cinema stood out as the best new build far and wide.”
Join Us in Barcelona
The 2025 ICTA EMEA Awards will be presented during ICTA’s Awards Reception on 15 June 2025 at 7:00 PM in Barcelona, on the eve of CineEurope.
Professionals attending CineEurope can register for the reception and ICTA’s seminar via
www.icta-web.com under the Events section. Cinema operators are invited to attend free of charge and should email
[email protected] to register and celebrate their peers.
A media kit featuring images and background information on EMOTION Kino Monheim is available [
here].
