EMOTION Kino redefines the moviegoing experience
In the heart of Monheim am Rhein, Germany, a new kind of cinema experience has taken shape, blending cutting-edge technology with human connection. EMOTION Kino, a six-screen boutique cinema built on the belief that movies should move people emotionally as much as visually, has been named “Best New Build Cinema of the Year” at the 2025 ICTA EMEA Awards.
Presented annually by the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA), a professional organization of over 220 member companies spanning exhibitors, manufacturers, and integrators worldwide, the EMEA Awards honor outstanding achievements in cinema design and technology across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. EMOTION Kino captured this year’s top distinction for its thoughtful architecture, community-centered philosophy, and the installation of a CINITY premium large format (PLF) auditorium that sets a new benchmark for cinematic immersion.
A vision rooted in connection
When Thomas and Julian Rüttgers, a father-and-son team passionate about cinema, began planning EMOTION Kino, their ambitions went far beyond building another multiplex. “For me, it was never just about showing films,” says Julian. “It was about creating a place where people can meet, connect, and be inspired. A room for culture, where emotions are felt together.”
EMOTION Kino blends technology with human connection.
Opened in 2024 within a redeveloped shopping center in the heart of Monheim, EMOTION Kino features six uniquely themed auditoria with a total of 570 seats. Each space is designed to evoke a distinct mood and cater to different audiences, from a cozy 33-seat room ideal for children’s birthdays or private screenings to the 177-seat CINITY auditorium, the cinema’s showpiece. With advanced technologies including Dolby Atmos immersive sound and motion seating, EMOTION Kino offers an experience that transcends conventional moviegoing. Every detail, from the lighting to the acoustic treatment, contributes to a sense of immersion and intimacy rarely found in commercial cinemas.
CINITY: Pushing the boundaries of cinematic realism
At the heart of EMOTION Kino’s success is the CINITY Cinema System, jointly developed by CINITY and Christie. Designed to redefine the high-end movie experience, CINITY integrates an array of advanced technologies including 4K resolution, high frame rates (up to 120fps), high dynamic range (HDR), 3D playback, ultra-high brightness, and an expanded wide color gamut. The result is an image so sharp, fluid, and realistic that audiences feel they are inside the story rather than simply watching it unfold.
“For me, it was never just about showing films,” says Julian Rüttgers. “It was about creating a place where people can meet, connect, and be inspired. A room for culture, where emotions are felt together.” - Julian Rüttgers, EMOTION Kino
Sound plays an equal role in this sensory experience. CINITY incorporates multichannel immersive audio, surrounding the audience with finely detailed acoustics that match the intensity of the visuals. Powering this performance is Christie’s RGB pure laser projection technology, supported by the CineLife+™ electronics platform and Real|Laser™ illumination, ensuring consistent color accuracy, brightness stability, and long operational life. Together, these innovations create a cinematic experience of remarkable depth and clarity, truly embodying the fusion of art and technology.
Thomas Rüttgers first encountered CINITY at CineEurope 2022 in Barcelona, where he viewed the “Avatar: The Way of Water” trailer in CINITY format. “It was a revelation,” he recalls. “The depth, the brightness, the clarity; it was unlike anything I had ever seen before. I knew instantly this was the future of cinema.” Inspired by that moment, he decided to bring CINITY to European audiences and soon partnered with Christie to make it happen. Within six months, he had successfully installed three CINITY systems across Switzerland and Germany, with EMOTION Kino as the flagship location.
“When we installed CINITY at EMOTION Kino, the response was overwhelming,” Thomas adds. “People walked out amazed; some even stayed behind just to talk about what they had experienced. You could see it on their faces. It wasn’t just a screening, it was an emotional journey.”
Creating the CINITY experience
Julian and his team worked tirelessly to introduce CINITY to local audiences through creative marketing and social engagement. “We used social media, exclusive CINITY trailers, and branded posters to explain what makes this system so special,” says Julian. “People were immediately intrigued. They didn’t just want to watch a movie; they wanted to experience what this auditorium can offer.”
One of the six boutique cinema screens at EMOTION Kino.
Word of mouth spread quickly. Moviegoers began choosing films based not only on the title but on where they could experience them, especially in the CINITY auditorium. “That’s when we realized,” Julian adds, “that CINITY wasn’t just a technology. It was a mindset that changed the way people think about going to the cinema.”
More than a cinema: a space for community
Beyond its state-of-the-art projection and sound systems, EMOTION Kino has become deeply embedded in its local community. The cinema regularly hosts themed events such as Kinovino — wine-tasting sessions paired with screenings — as well as Silver Screen matinees for seniors, complete with coffee and cake. There are even “knitting movie nights,” where attendees enjoy films while crafting together.
EMOTION Kino is a six-screen boutique cinema that was named “Best New Build Cinema of the Year” at the 2025 ICTA EMEA Awards.
This sense of warmth and inclusion has turned EMOTION Kino into more than a place to watch films. It is now a social and cultural landmark in Monheim am Rhein. “Our idea was to create a destination that brings people back into the heart of the city,” says Julian. “We wanted a space filled with joy, creativity, and connection, something that inspires people to come together again.”
Recognizing excellence
Reflecting on the ICTA award, Julian shares his gratitude. “Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to us. Our vision has always been to make people feel something by combining the best technology with an atmosphere that stirs emotion. ICTA’s recognition tells us we’ve succeeded in building something special, and we’re thankful to everyone who shares our belief in the future of cinema.”
Emotion powered by technology
With its CINITY auditorium powered by Christie’s pure laser projection technology and other contemporary amenities, EMOTION Kino represents the future of premium exhibition, where innovation amplifies emotion and every film becomes an unforgettable shared experience. It stands as a testament to what happens when artistry, engineering, and human connection converge — reminding audiences that while technology drives the experience, it is emotion that makes it truly cinematic.
