Daily Inspiration: Meet Yvonne Koolhaas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvonne Koolhaas.

Hi Yvonne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
If someone had told me ten years ago that I would be leading a film foundation, I probably wouldn’t have believed them.
My journey into filmmaking began unexpectedly in 2019, when my youngest son auditioned for a regional feature film. Through him I was introduced to a world I knew very little about. As I spent more time on set and behind the scenes, I discovered that filmmaking wasn’t just about cameras and scripts. It was about bringing people together to create something bigger than themselves.
The more involved I became, the more I realized how much potential film has to connect people from different cultures, generations and backgrounds. That realization eventually inspired me to establish Stichting Anker in 2025, a Dutch non profit cultural foundation dedicated to inclusion, talent development and meaningful storytelling through film.
Today I serve as chair of Stichting Anker, where we are building an international network of filmmakers, artists and creative talent. We are currently developing our first feature film, Artificial Soul, but for me the project is about much more than making a movie. It’s about creating opportunities, encouraging collaboration across borders and proving that people from very different backgrounds can create something meaningful together.
Looking back, what started with my son’s audition became a completely new chapter in my life, and one that I’m incredibly grateful for.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. In many ways, I feel like I learned by jumping in at the deep end.
When I entered the film industry, I had no formal background in filmmaking or producing. Everything was new, from understanding contracts and financing to learning how productions are organized and how international collaborations work. There were plenty of moments where I had to figure things out as I went, often by asking questions, making mistakes and learning from people with far more experience than I had.
Starting a non profit film foundation brought its own challenges. Building an organization from the ground up, creating the right legal and financial structure, finding partners who believe in your vision and securing funding all take an enormous amount of time and perseverance. There were moments when progress felt frustratingly slow.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that filmmaking is never something you do alone. Every challenge has reinforced the importance of surrounding yourself with people who bring different skills, perspectives and experiences to the table. That philosophy has become the foundation of Stichting Anker.
Looking back, I don’t see those struggles as setbacks anymore. They shaped me into a better producer and leader, and they continue to remind me that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I do is best described as building opportunities through film.
As Chair of Stichting Anker, I focus on bringing people together and creating the conditions for meaningful projects to happen. That means developing partnerships, building international collaborations, finding funding opportunities and making sure creative people have the support they need to tell their stories.
I’m not a director or a cinematographer. My role is to connect the right people, create a strong foundation and help turn ideas into reality. I enjoy bringing together experienced professionals and people who are taking their very first steps into filmmaking, because I believe everyone has something valuable to contribute.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’re building. Even before completing our first feature film, we’ve brought together cast and crew from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds. Seeing people who had never met before become one team with a shared purpose is incredibly rewarding.
I think that’s what sets me apart. I don’t see filmmaking as an industry first. I see it as a way to connect people. Every project is an opportunity to build bridges between cultures, generations and communities. If we create a great film along the way, that’s wonderful. But if we also create lasting relationships and open doors for new talent, then we’ve achieved something even more meaningful.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
If I had to choose one quality that has contributed most to my journey, I would say kindness.
Someone once described me as “a kind person,” and that has stayed with me ever since. At first I didn’t think much of it, but over time I realized that kindness isn’t a weakness. It’s something that brings people together.
I’ve often been told that simply having me on set makes a difference. I don’t think that’s because I have all the answers or because I’m the most experienced person in the room. I think it’s because I try to create an environment where people feel seen, respected and supported.
Film sets can be intense. There are long days, tight schedules and a lot of pressure. I believe people do their best work when they feel safe enough to ask questions, share ideas and even make mistakes. Whether someone has worked on fifty films or is stepping onto a set for the very first time, I want them to feel like they belong.
I also try to lead with curiosity rather than ego. I still ask questions, I still learn every day and I genuinely enjoy seeing other people grow. If I can help create a team where everyone feels valued and inspired to do their best work, then I consider that one of my greatest achievements.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stichtinganker.org
• Instagram: Artificialsoulthemovie

Image Credits
Caitlin Koolhaas