The Pupil

2025 - Films

Daan (12) is gradually groomed by his coach Ries (35) at his soccer club, and repeated sexual abuse follows. The sense of necessity Daan feels to keep it a secret causes his behavior to change, and he increasingly withdraws. When the truth comes to light, Daan is overwhelmed by shame and faces the uncomfortable and sometimes cruel reactions from those around him.

Loosely based on the autobiographical book of Steven van der Hoeven; ‘Your eyes betray you’.

Director

Karin Junger

Producer

The Film Kitchen

Screenplay

Karin Junger

Co-producers

Krater Films
Polar Bear

Director

Karin Junger

Producer

The Film Kitchen

Screenplay

Karin Junger

Co-producers

Krater Films
Polar Bear

Main cast

Bart de Wilde
Gijs Naber
Hadewych Minis
Marcel Hensema

Genre

Drama

Broadcaster

BNNVARA (Netherlands)

Financiers

Netherlands Film Fund
Netherlands Production Incentive
Creative Europe - MEDIA Programme of the European Union
BNNVARA
CoBO
Posta Sound for Picture
Tax Shelter of the Belgian federal government

Distribution & Sales

Gusto entertainment (Netherlands)
Pluto Film (International sales)

Festival selection

Netherlands Film Festival