Film re­com­men­da­ti­ons from film pro­grammer Roos

The Louis Hartlooper Complex (LHC) is a vibrant film and cultural centre located right in the heart of the city on the Ledig Erf. If you want to watch a film that really moves you, this is the place to be. Roos, film programmer and co-owner, carefully selects the most inspiring arthouse films. It’s in her DNA. Her father is Jos Stelling, a celebrated Dutch film director and founder of Utrecht’s three most prominent cinemas. “Our aim is to show films that make you think and view life from a different perspective. Our films connect people – it’s great to see the conversation continue in the lobby afterwards”, says Roos.

The drive to connect and inspire runs through her veins. Her father opened Springhaver, his first arthouse cinema, 40 years ago on the Springweg in Utrecht. This was followed 25 years later by LHC. In April 2022, his third cinema in the city opened its doors. Roos explains: “By bringing film and food under one roof, my father wanted to help people connect and escape the isolation often experienced in busy cities. Our arthouse cinema complexes have become cultural meeting places, and I’m really proud of that.” The largest of the three cinemas, LHC is housed in a former police station, an ideal setting. A few years ago, Roos took on the role of film programmer at all three venues: “I’m so happy to be back in Utrecht and taking up the reins at LHC and our family business.”

Roos moved to Antwerp when she was a young girl. Sharing her father’s passion for film, she eventually attended the film academy in Brussels: “Once I moved back to Utrecht after being away for so long, it felt very natural to slowly start taking over the family business with my sister. I feel privileged to be able to apply my skills as a film programmer and continue my father’s hard work.” Each employee is a valued member of the business, and Roos can often be found selling tickets or even doing the washing up – she goes where she’s needed. “It’s a welcoming place for both staff and visitors and that is reflected in the finishing touches. For instance, one of the first things we learned from our father was: always put up fresh flowers.” Also unique to the cinemas are the famous ‘explainers’ for the evening programme. These are passionate volunteers who ‘explain’ intriguing facts about the film before it starts. You are guaranteed to leave the cinema with new perspectives on life. Find a comfortable seat in the bar area after the film and continue the conversation with a glass of fine organic wine in one hand and a delicious local, seasonal treat in the other. The menu at all three cinema complexes offers locally produced food and drinks, including delicious vegan options. “We are conscious of the impact we have on people, not only the films we select but also the food and drink we serve. That’s just who we are as a brand”, says Roos.

“It’s so beautiful and clean here – it’s like living on the set of a Disney film. If I had the choice to live anywhere on earth, Utrecht would always be at the top of the list.”

“Utrecht is where I feel most at home. The historic city centre feels more like a village but with all the benefits of city life”, explains Roos with a smile. “It’s so beautiful and clean here – it’s like living on the set of a Disney film. If I had the choice to live anywhere on earth, Utrecht would always be at the top of the list.” Thanks to her family’s vision, LHC has become a true phenomenon, and the Ledig Erf is now one of Utrecht’s most vibrant places. Roos notes: “When we first opened our doors 15 years ago, the locals got 100% behind the business, and the whole area picked up.” Roos enjoys working with other local organisations to form closer connections, and LHC has joined forces with Catharijneconvent Museum to offer this fantastic special deal.

And of course, Roos’s film recommendations:

“Triangle of Sadness and The Eight Mountains, showing from mid-December. Close is also a must-see – a truly beautiful film.”