Patio houses at the University of Twente featured in film ‘Hanna van Hendrik'

This week, the campus of the University of Twente serves as the backdrop for the filming of the feature film Hanna van Hendrik. The film crew is setting up at the distinctive patio houses on Matenweg 2–38, which have been a national heritage site since June 8, 2015.

Built in 1963 to a design by architect Herman Haan, the complex consists of housing units for students. Although the windows and doors have since been replaced, the original colour scheme has remained unchanged since its construction. The rentals are managed by Veste Wonen.



The film Hanna van Hendrik, produced by Johan Nijenhuis & Co., tells the story of the farmers’ uprising in 1971 in Tubbergen. At its heart is Hanna, a young widow who, after the sudden death of her husband Hendrik in a bull accident, must find a way to survive with her children. While struggling with grief, debt, technological modernisation, and social change, she grows into a strong, independent woman determined to protect her land and family.

Filming is taking place mainly in Twente this summer. The story was previously brought to the stage in 2019 as a theatre production, an initiative by actress Johanna ter Steege (known for, among others, De Beentjes van Sint Hildegard). The 51 sold-out performances attracted a total of 48,000 visitors. For her contribution to the region, Ter Steege was awarded the Silver Herring (De Zilveren Haring) in 2021.