The Pupil

Through a process of grooming, Daan (12) is gradually sexually abused by his football coach, Ries (35). The necessity of keeping this secret isolates Daan. When the truth eventually emerges, Daan is overwhelmed by shame and must confront the uncomfortable, and at times ruthless, reactions from those around him.

Based on the autobiographical book of Steven van der Hoeven: 'Your eyes betray you' (Original title: 'Je ogen verraden je').

Cast: Bart de Wilde, Gijs Naber, Hadewych Minis, Marcel Hensema, Joost Meuwsen
Direction: Karin Junger
Script: Karin Junger, Mart Dominicus
Producer: The Film Kitchen
Co-producer: Polar Bear (BE), Krater Films (BE), BNNVARA (NL)
Genre: Feature film
Status: Post-production
Shooting period: September - October 2023
Financiers: Netherlands Film Fund, Netherlands Film Production Incentive, Belgian Tax Shelter, Creative Europe MEDIA of the European Union, BNNVARA, Posta Sound for Picture
Broadcaster: BNNVARA
Distributor: Gusto Entertainment