Dragør Biograf

Dragør Biograf is a cinema in Dragør, Denmark, with roots dating to 1928, when carpenter Johs. Petersen built a new cinema theatre in Dragørgaard. The old harbour cinema was demolished, and the new 206-seat auditorium opened with strong local support. Marie Bothmann held the licence but leased it to Petersen, who became the driving force. The cinema quickly became a community gathering point, praised by Dragør Posten for its ventilation, warm auditorium and distinctive matte lamps. It cooperated closely with the school, giving children free access to documentary films in an era before television. In the late 1920s and early 1930s the cinema changed hands several times as sound films arrived. After a period of uncertainty, Axel Hansen obtained the licence in 1932. He modernised the cinema, installed sound equipment and opened with the Danish sound film Præsten i Vejlby. Hansen remained a stable and well-liked cinema director for more than four decades. The cinema was continuously improved: new seats in 1955 and again in 1980, upgraded sound in 1979, and a repertoire mixing major international films with Danish classics. When Hansen died in 1978, Inge and Svend Poulsen took over operations. Svend Poulsen continued the tradition of low ticket prices and a broad film selection. In the early 1980s Dragør Bio faced the same challenges as many small cinemas: television and video drew audiences away. Visitor numbers fell sharply and the cinema's future became uncertain. The official website now presents the project 'Biograf for alle' (Cinema for all), a crowdfunding and modernisation effort by Dragør Borgerforening and Dragør Biografforening. Their stated goal is to create 'Denmark's most charming, lively and present cultural cinema – a modern meeting point where film, community and stories meet across generations, created by the town, for the town.' The site invites private individuals and businesses to support the crowdfunding, which finances technical preliminary studies such as engineering calculations, soil analyses and architectural advice. Donations are not VAT-liable and are in practice anonymous, with only name and amount received via MobilePay. The cinema is thus an active community-driven project rather than a conventional commercial multiplex.

Dragør Biograf traces its origins to 1928, when carpenter Johs. Petersen built a new cinema theatre in Dragørgaard. The old cinema at the harbour was demolished, and the new 206-seat auditorium was inaugurated with strong local support. Marie Bothmann held the licence but leased it to Petersen, who quickly became the cinema's driving force. The cinema became a gathering point in the town. Dragør Posten enthusiastically described the new ventilation, the warm auditorium and the characteristic matte lamps that gave the room an almost festive atmosphere. The school and the cinema began a close cooperation, and children were given free access to documentary films – a major experience in a time before television. In the late 1920s and early 1930s the cinema changed hands several times. Sound film made its entry, and Dragør followed. After a period of uncertainty, Axel Hansen obtained the licence in 1932. He modernised the cinema, installed sound equipment and opened with the Danish sound film Præsten i Vejlby. Audiences flocked, and Hansen became a stable and well-liked cinema director for more than four decades. Over the years the cinema was continuously improved: new seats in 1955 and again in 1980, upgraded sound in 1979, and a repertoire that mixed major international films with Danish classics. When Hansen died in 1978, Inge and Svend Poulsen took over operations. Svend Poulsen continued the tradition of low ticket prices and a broad film selection. In the early 1980s Dragør Bio was hit by the same challenges as many small cinemas: TV and video drew audiences away. Visitor numbers fell significantly, and the cinema's future became uncertain. The official website now presents the project 'Biograf for alle' (Cinema for all), a crowdfunding and modernisation effort by Dragør Borgerforening and Dragør Biografforening. Their stated goal is to create 'Denmark's most charming, lively and present cultural cinema – a modern meeting point where film, community and stories meet across generations, created by the town, for the town.' The site invites private individuals and businesses to support the crowdfunding, which finances technical preliminary studies such as engineering calculations, soil analyses and architectural advice. Donations are not VAT-liable and are in practice anonymous, with only name and amount received via MobilePay. The cinema is thus an active community-driven project rather than a conventional commercial multiplex.

• 1980

  New seats installed again.

• 1980

  Early 1980s: TV and video cause visitor numbers to fall sharply; the cinema's future becomes uncertain.

• 1979

  Sound system upgraded.

• 1978

  Axel Hansen dies; Inge and Svend Poulsen take over operations.

• 1955

  New seats installed.

• 1932

  Axel Hansen obtains the licence, modernises the cinema, installs sound equipment and opens with the Danish sound film Præsten i Vejlby.

• 1928

  Carpenter Johs. Petersen builds a new cinema theatre in Dragørgaard; the old harbour cinema is demolished and a 206-seat auditorium opens.

A community-driven, historic local cinema being revived as a modern cultural meeting point.

• Cinema screenings

• Documentary film programmes for schools

• Community cultural events

• Biograf for alle crowdfunding

1. 1Biograf for alledragoerbio.dk
2. 2om biografen – Biograf for alledragoerbio.dk
3. 3Dragor Biografwikidata.org