Longtime volunteer awarded silver medal for 35 years of dedication to local cinema
Nel van Engen-Kuijper from Melissant has been honored with Goeree-Overflakkee’s silver municipal medal for her 35 years of unwavering volunteer work at Filmhuis Diekhuus. Her efforts have kept one of the Netherlands’ oldest film houses thriving, enriching local culture and community spirit.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Recipient | Nel van Engen-Kuijper |
| Award | Silver municipal medal |
| Presented by | Mayor Ada Grootenboer-Dubbelman |
| Municipality | Goeree-Overflakkee |
| Organization | Filmhuis Diekhuus (50th anniversary) |
| Years of Service | 35 years |
| Roles | Film selection, licensing, publicity, ticket sales, bar, administration |
| Notable Achievement | Secured film rights directly from Bert Haanstra’s heirs |
| Current Involvement | Monthly film selection trips to Den Bosch |
Municipalities in the Netherlands award medals like this to recognize individuals or institutions that have made significant contributions to local communities. The municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee uses such awards to highlight and encourage civic engagement and cultural preservation.
Openrijk is free and ad-free
Do you value our work? Help us stay online with a small contribution.
Read the full translated article below
Nel van Engen-Kuijper from Melissant receives silver municipal medal
Volunteer Nel van Engen-Kuijper received the silver municipal medal of the municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee on Friday, March 20, at Diekhuus. She was presented with this award by Mayor Ada Grootenboer-Dubbelman. The municipal medal was awarded in recognition of her many years of exceptional dedication to the Filmhuis at Diekhuus in Middelharnis.
A municipal medal is a token of appreciation for a person or institution that has made a special contribution to the municipality or local community.
Filmhuis Diekhuus
The Filmhuis is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, making it one of the oldest film houses in the Netherlands. What began as an initiative by a group of enthusiastic volunteers has grown into an important cultural institution within the municipality. Nel van Engen-Kuijper has played a key role in this. She has been an active volunteer at the Filmhuis for 35 years without interruption. During this time, she has contributed in various ways: from selecting films and arranging licenses to handling publicity and maintaining the membership administration. She has also been actively involved during film evenings, including selling tickets, setting up the auditorium, and working at the bar.
Exceptional dedication
Her perseverance was also evident during an earlier anniversary of the Filmhuis. When a film by Dutch director Bert Haanstra was to be screened and the license could not be obtained through the distributor, Van Engen-Kuijper personally sought out Haanstra’s heirs. Through direct contact, she managed to obtain permission to screen the film.
Ongoing commitment
Even after her 80th birthday, Van Engen-Kuijper remains actively involved with the Filmhuis. For example, she still visits the film fair in Den Bosch every month to select new films.
Appreciation
At the presentation, Mayor Grootenboer-Dubbelman expressed her great appreciation: “Ms. Van Engen, the Filmhuis has been showing films for fifty years, but in reality, you have been one of the most beautiful supporting actors behind the scenes for thirty-five years. On behalf of the municipal council, I would like to thank you wholeheartedly for your many years of dedication and commitment.”