Thirty years ago Monday a group of local cinema enthusiasts held a commercial screening of Luxembourg film Congé fir e Mord in a converted garage in Limpertsberg. The two makeshift screening rooms were named Ciné Utopia, and it was from those humble beginnings that the Utopia group of cinemas was launched--a group that now includes the Utopolis multiplexes in Kirchberg and Belval, Utopolis movie theatres in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Utopia itself has undergone a series of transformations over the years--most notably in 1989 when three screening rooms and a central foyer were added and the complex became a favourite among fans of art house cinema as well as blockbusters. A 2010 modernisation, including a new café area, has given the complex a contemporary touch.

To mark its 30th anniversary, the Utopia will be selling cinema tickets at just €3 for all screenings on Monday (except 3D films and especially long films) and will hand out cupcakes and a glass of crémant to customers.

Films on show for the special Monday event include Indian food-romamce drama The Lunchbox, historical drama The Immigrant starring Jeremy Renner, Marion Cotillard and Joaquin Phoenix, The Butler starring Forrest Whitaker as the titular character who serves several presidents at the White House, and award-winning Luxembourg co-produced animated feature The Congress.