Jan has been a host at EYE Filmmuseum for 14 years.

Jan saw EYE still under construction from the ferry and wondered what kind of building it was. In the meantime, he has been a host on Tuesday evenings for 14 years – and he sees it as anything but volunteer work. ‘For me, it’s an outing to be here.’

A friend said: ‘That will be the new film museum, EYE. They must need volunteers there, that would be perfect for you.’ That’s how Jan got involved. Jan was one of the first hosts. He combined the volunteer work with his job for eleven years. ‘It was also a distraction. Just getting away from home and the hustle and bustle of work. That investment of a few hours to completely get away. Clearing my head, being here, and being able to chat with people.’ Jan has now been retired for three years. Tuesday evenings at EYE have remained, along with his regular buddy. ‘It’s very pleasant and fun, and I’ve kept that.’

The face of EYE

As a host, you not only check tickets. You are primarily a host. You welcome visitors, help people on their way, and are the face of the theater. ‘We are the first person people see when they enter the cinema. When people leave, you greet them and wish them a nice evening. It’s also nice when they exit the auditorium.’ Each day there are three shifts of four hours. The hosts share the four auditoriums. In the evenings, mostly cinema visitors come. Many of them are regulars. ‘Because on Tuesdays, I meet the same people I’ve seen for years. It’s always nice to have a chat. What are you going to see, where are you going, and how did you like it?’

‘You have an eye for people’

A host is also a source of information. For example, Jan receives questions from tourists who come directly from a hotel and want to know what kind of building EYE is. Or people want to know what activities are available for children or which exhibition is on display. ‘You can tell from people’s body language that they are looking for something or want to know something. If I see people walking around for a few rounds and they are searching for something, I approach them. It’s important to take a somewhat active stance.’ Jan particularly enjoys those brief encounters. ‘People are going to a movie, and I like that there is someone who is a bit active and welcomes them.’

A place for everyone

There is a lot of diversity; EYE is not only a cinema but also a museum about everything related to film. There are permanent and temporary exhibitions, and there is also plenty for children to do. ‘On Sunday mornings, there is a program for the very young. They come with their parents, play games, and can run around. They hardly watch the film.’ ‘It’s an open building, with a view to the outside. You can walk over the terrace and start outside. Then you think: hey, what a nice place. I’ll go inside for a bit.’ Inside, you can just sit and look outside. A group of young people, for example, regularly meets there without using the museum or film offerings. ‘You can come here to work with a laptop or meet in Amsterdam. You just have to take the ferry across. It’s a beautiful place.’

‘Volunteers are really needed’

Besides EYE, Jan does more volunteer work. He finds it important to contribute to things that are needed and that benefit others even in his retirement. ‘Volunteering is fun, but you have to enjoy it as a volunteer yourself. Otherwise, you won’t last.’ According to Jan, volunteers are indispensable for EYE. ‘Without volunteers, EYE cannot exist.’ During the films, there is time for a cup of coffee, and conversations with fellow volunteers naturally arise. Jan feels very appreciated as a host. ‘We are pampered.’ Volunteers can watch movies unlimitedly, and there are regular film and social evenings as well as an annual party.

‘It’s really a win-win’

Jan would recommend EYE to everyone. ‘Hosts are regularly needed and it’s really a nice place. Working at EYE has exceeded my expectations.’ He has seen the building come to life and still finds it beautiful. ‘When I stand across the street and look back, I think: yes, it’s a really beautiful building. And I hope it stays here for a long time.’ When asked if Jan feels he gives something to the city, or if the city gives something to him, he replies: ‘If the city has given me this building, that’s a lovely gift. And if I have a part in that with my few hours on Tuesday evenings, that’s a great win-win.’

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Interview: Maria van der Drift
Photos: Huub Zeeman