What Sinema Transtopia does

SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA is a non-profit community cinema and cultural venue in Berlin-Wedding, Germany, operated by the registered association bi'bak e.V. since its founding in 2020. The space operates as a transnational venue for film culture, art, knowledge, and community, screening curated international, decolonial, queer, and diaspora cinema and hosting discussions, workshops, masterclasses, and community events. The physical footprint combines a cinema hall, a foyer/common space called SİNEMA HANE (functioning as a bar and weekend restaurant serving meze plates), and a garden used as an open-air cinema in warmer months. Operating hours are Wednesday through Sunday, with a ticketed programming schedule coordinated by a small core team led by co-artistic directors Malve Lippmann and Can Sungu.

The venue's core products are film screenings and cultural events organized under sub-brands including Common Visions Berlin (free community co-programming with Berlin-based organizations), SİNELECTION (curated film series), and (UN)LEARNING (workshops, masterclasses, fellowships, and children's film education via SİNEMANINO). The SİNEMA Store (launched 2026) sells gift cards, vouchers, and branded merchandise online and in-person. There is no proprietary technology stack; the organization relies on standard projection, the third-party Cinetixx ticketing platform, Vimeo for video embedding, Google Analytics, and Tally for forms.

Revenue is generated through standard €10 ticket sales (online via Cinetixx and at the door), the SİNEMA 10X multi-visit card at €70 (€7 per ticket), gift cards and vouchers (SİNEMA SOLO €18, DUO €35, VOUCHER €10), in-person merchandise (scarves €25, tote bags €8), Hane food and beverage sales, and ticketed community brunches (€15 standard / €10 solidarity). The business is community-led in GTM, depending on partnerships with over 40 Berlin-based diaspora collectives and cultural institutions, festival participation (Berlinale Goes Kiez, Berlin Art Week), and a marketing mix of Instagram, Facebook, Telegram, and newsletter channels. Operating funding historically came from a concentrated set of institutional grants (BKM, Hauptstadtkulturfonds, Drosos Foundation, Fonds Soziokultur, Goethe-Institut); federal (BKM) funding was eliminated in 2024 following Berlin cultural budget cuts, prompting the recent push toward earned-income diversification through the Store and a planned membership program.

Name

Sinema Transtopia

Legal name

bi'bak e.V.

Website

https://sinematranstopia.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA is a Berlin-Wedding non-profit cinema operated by bi'bak e.V., serving transnational and diaspora communities through curated film screenings, cultural events, community co-programming, and an on-site bar-restaurant called SİNEMA HANE.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Independent Cinema / Cultural Arts Programming

NAICS

Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71), Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Screening Rooms & Cinematheques (Nonprofit/Institutional) (MPADAKAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Programming, Booking & Repertory Exhibition Services (MPADAKAL), Cultural & Community Festivals (Ticketed) (THAJAFAI), Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG)

Keywords

• Independent cinema
• Film screenings
• Cultural programming
• Community cinema
• Art house cinema

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Ticket sales: Standard admission tickets at €10 per screening, sold online via Cinetixx platform and at the door. Ticket revenue supports ongoing programming and operations.
2. SİNEMA 10X card: Bulk ticket card valid for 10 admissions at €70 (€7 per ticket). Can be used by one person for 10 events or by groups. Sold online and at the door.
3. Gift cards and vouchers: SİNEMA SOLO (€18), SİNEMA DUO (€35), SİNEMA 10X (€70), and SİNEMA VOUCHER (€10) sold as gifts. All proceeds support the program.
4. Merchandise: Merchandise including fan scarves (€25) and tote bags (€8) sold exclusively in-person at the cinema. Supports the program financially.
5. Food and beverage (Hane): Bar with drinks available during screenings. Meze plates and snacks served Friday and Saturday evenings in the SİNEMA HANE space. Food sales contribute to revenue and community experience.
6. Funder and grant support: Operating funding from institutional funders including federal, state, and private foundations. Funding was cut in 2024, significantly impacting operations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA operates a physical cinema venue in Berlin-Wedding offering film screenings, cultural events, community programming, and educational workshops focused on transnational, decolonial, and diaspora cinema. The venue includes a cinema hall, the SİNEMA HANE foyer/bar/restaurant serving meze plates and drinks, and a garden used for open-air screenings in summer. Additional revenue streams include ticket sales, SİNEMA 10X multi-visit cards, gift cards/vouchers, branded merchandise (scarves, tote bags), and institutional grant funding.

Product overview

SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA is a cinema project by bi'bak e.V. operating as a transnational cinema space in Berlin-Wedding. The core offering consists of film screenings, cultural events, and community programming. The venue includes SİNEMA HANE (foyer/common space with food service) and a cinema hall for screenings. Additional offerings include SİNEMA Store (online and in-person merchandise), which sells gift cards/vouchers (SİNEMA VOUCHER, SİNEMA SOLO, SİNEMA DUO, SİNEMA 10X multi-visit card) and branded merchandise (TOTE bag, FAN SCARF). Programming is organized through sub-brands including COMMON VISIONS BERLIN (community film programming), SİNELECTION (curated film series), and (UN)LEARNING (educational workshops and masterclasses). Ticket sales are handled through third-party platform cinetixx.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA Cinema Screenings Curated film screenings, cultural events, workshops, and community programming for transnational, decolonial, and diaspora cinema at the Berlin-Wedding venue. Functions as a social discourse space and community gathering venue.
• SİNEMA HANE Bar and Restaurant The foyer and common space of SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA serving as a shared space for meeting, eating, drinking, and exchange. Offers meze plates, snacks, and drinks inspired by transnational traditions, available Wednesday–Sunday evenings and during screenings.
• SİNEMA Store (Merchandise) Online and in-person merchandise store offering branded merchandise and gift cards. All proceeds support the ongoing cinema program.
• SİNEMA 10X Multi-Visit Card Multi-visit card with 10 tickets valid for €70 (€7 per ticket). Can be used by one person for 10 events or by a group for one event. Available online and at the box office.
• SİNEMA SOLO Gift Card Gift card valid for one cinema visit at SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA, priced at €18. Available online and at the cinema.
• SİNEMA DUO Gift Card Gift card valid for two cinema visits at SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA, priced at €35. Available online and at the cinema.
• SİNEMA VOUCHER Gift Voucher Gift voucher worth €10 for a single ticket purchase, redeemable for screenings and events at SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA. Available online and at the cinema.
• SİNEMA TOTE Bag Black heavy cotton canvas tote bag (39x42cm) with screen-printed SİNEMA logo in yellow/pink or white, priced at €8. Available exclusively in-person at the cinema.
• SİNEMA FAN SCARF Branded fan scarf merchandise from SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA, priced at €25. Available exclusively in-person at the cinema.
• Common Visions Berlin Community Programming Free community programming section dedicated to film screenings, discussions, and lectures co-organized with Berlin-based organizations and initiatives. Focused on transnational urban society visibility and addressing diaspora communities.
• SİNELECTION Curated Film Series Curated film selection series featuring selected films with artistic and social significance, presented as part of SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA's regular programming.
• (UN)LEARNING Educational Programming Educational programming including workshops, masterclasses, and fellowship programs for film education and skill development. Includes SİNEMANINO (children's film education), Archival Tactics, and masterclass series.

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Goethe-InstitutcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGermany's international cultural institute. Partners on programming including Goethe-Institut in Exile, supporting artists at risk and international cultural exchange.
• Arsenal Filminstitut e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin-based film institute and archive. A key partner in the German film ecosystem, collaborating on screenings and film culture initiatives.
• Deutsche KinemathekcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGermany's national film archive and leading film institution. Partner for film heritage and programming collaborations.
• Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Berlin cultural institution. Co-presented the DEEP CUTS series in 2025 within the framework of HKW on the Road.
• Berlinale / Berlin International Film FestivalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSİNEMA TRANSTOPIA is a venue for Berlinale Goes Kiez, showcasing festival films from all sections. Also participates in Berlinale Generation programming.
• Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin (DFFB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin film school. Partnered on the Cinema Beyond Borders masterclass with Amir Naderi, supporting transnational filmmaking education.
• Berlin Asian Film Network (BAFNET)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork connecting people interested in films about Asia and the Asian diaspora in Germany. Collaborates on community screenings, BBQ events, and the New Wave open-air screening.
• ALFILM – Arabisches Filmfestival BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual Arab film festival in Berlin. SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA serves as a venue for festival screenings.
• Impression Taiwan e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin-based nonprofit promoting Taiwanese cinema. Co-presented the Impression Taiwan film series at SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA.
• XPOSED Queer Film Festival BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual queer film festival in Berlin. Served as a venue for the 20th XPOSED Queer Film Festival Berlin.
• Network of Arab Alternative Screens (NAAS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network of alternative screens in the Arab world. Presented The Colonel's Stray Dogs documentary and masterclass at SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA.
• Queer East Film FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLondon-based festival showcasing East and Southeast Asian queer cinema. Presented Asian Queers Reunited 2026 series at SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA.
• EOTO - Each One Teach OneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin-based community organization. Co-presented the Afrolution Festival at SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA.
• Berlin BiennaleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerContemporary art biennial held in Berlin. Cultural programming collaboration.
• DeZIM – Deutsches Zentrum für Integrations- und Migrationsforschung e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman center for integration and migration research. Academic partner for relevant film programs and discussions.
• FU Berlin, Sonderforschungsbereich Affective SocietiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch center at Freie Universität Berlin studying affective societies. Academic collaboration on relevant programming.
• Schwarze Filmschaffende e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of Black filmmakers in Germany. Co-presented the Alain Gomis masterclass with DFFB.
• Ecuaeventos / Ecuamig@sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcuadorian community organizations in Berlin. Partner for community events and programming.
• Ecuaeventos / Ecuamig@sminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEcuadorian community organizations in Berlin. Partner for community events and programming.
• CiLENS e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCinema network connecting lens-based arts communities in Berlin. Programming partner.
• interfilm BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational short film festival in Berlin. Programming collaboration.
• Kinothek Asta Nielsen e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin film archive dedicated to women's film history. Programming collaboration.
• Woche der KritikminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin's International Critics' Week, an independent section of the Berlinale. Programming collaboration.
• Un.thait.led FilmfestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThai LGBTQ+ film festival. Programming partner.
• QueerBerg CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerQueer arts collective in Berlin. Programming collaboration.
• SōydivisionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin-based arts collective. Programming partner.
• KW Institute for Contemporary ArtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading Berlin contemporary art institution. Presented Congo Cinematic Times programming at SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA.
• Neue Deutsche Organisationen (NDO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of New German Organizations. Programming collaboration.
• AfrikameraminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin festival and organization focused on African cinema and culture. Programming partner.
• Beijing Queer Film FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeijing-based queer film festival. Programming partnership.
• LICHTSPIEL – Netzwerk kulturelle FilmbildungminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork for cultural film education in Berlin. Programming collaboration.
• Netzwerk Filmbildung BerlinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFilm education network in Berlin. Programming partnership.
• RomaTrialminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing legal support to Roma communities. Programming collaboration.
• Cinetixx GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party ticketing service handling online ticket sales, gift card redemption, and the SİNEMA 10X card system on behalf of SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA. Handles customer support for ticketing issues.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Anthology Film Archives: New York non-profit film archive and cinema dedicated to preserving and exhibiting experimental, independent, and international cinema. Comparable as a non-profit institution running curated film programs for a niche cinema audience.
• Wolf Kino: Berlin independent art-house cinema screening curated international and experimental films. Comparable single-venue arthouse operator with similar program orientation toward non-mainstream cinema in Berlin.
• Babylon: Berlin repertory and arthouse cinema with a strong programming schedule of independent, international, and historically significant films. Comparable as a Berlin cinema venue competing for the same independent cinema audience.
• Arsenal – Institut für Film und Videokunst e.V. Berlin-based non-profit film institute and repertory cinema operating as a cultural venue with curated film programs. Most directly comparable as a non-profit cinema in Berlin with a similar curatorial, community-oriented mission.
• Lichtblick-Kino: Berlin independent cinema with a curated program of international and arthouse films. Comparable as a Berlin-based independent cinema competing for the same audience segment with ticketed curated programming.
• Kino in der Reitschule: Bern-based independent cinema in a community/cultural center, programming international and politically engaged film. Comparable as a non-commercial, community-oriented cinema with curated cultural programming.
• Delphi Filmpalast: Historic Berlin repertory/art-house cinema showing curated, international, and culturally diverse programming. Comparable as a single-venue Berlin cinema running independent film programming alongside mainstream and event-driven screenings.

Regional players

• City Kino Wien: Vienna-based independent cinema showing curated international and arthouse films. Comparable as a German-speaking regional independent cinema with similar community-oriented programming and ticketed events.
• Metropolis Kino Hamburg: Hamburg-based independent cinema with arthouse and repertory programming. Comparable as a German regional independent cinema with similar programming breadth but operating in a different city.
• Brotfabrik Kino Frankfurt: Frankfurt-based independent cinema showing curated international and arthouse films. Comparable as a German regional independent cinema operating with a similar single-venue, curated-programming model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/sinematranstopia
• Instagraminstagram.com/sinematranstopia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sinema-transtopia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sinema Transtopia