The idea and practice, but also the cultural-political obstacles of municipal or cultural cinema work in the Federal Republic of Germany are outlined using the example of the Kommunales Kino Hannover. The historical and social background that led to the founding of publicly funded cinemas in the 1970s will be examined, as will the understanding of film as an art form and of cinema as a place of civil discourse. By way of example, the basic pillars of the programming of the Kommunales Kino Hannover will be explained, which sees itself (1) as a workshop for independent and innovative contemporary film, (2) as a “window on the world”—opening the screen to global film cultures, (3) as a place for the presentation and reflection of film history, and (4) as an educational institution or “school of viewing”. Finally, the possible role of community cinema in a rapidly changing contemporary media landscape is reflected upon.