We are proud to announce THE PUPIL by Karin Junger, premiering in Just Film Youth & Children’s Film Festival 2025. When 12-year-old Daan‘s special bond with his football coach transforms into manipulation and abuse, he must confront not only his conflicted feelings of loyalty and betrayal, but also his community‘s uncomfortable response to a truth no one wants to face.

THE PUPIL
by Karin Junger
The Netherlands, Belgium, 2025, 105 min.
World Premiere: Just Film Youth & Children’s Film Festival 2025

Twelve-year-old Daan admires his football coach Ries (45), who gradually becomes a significant influence in his life and slowly manipulates him into a web of abuse. Daan's behaviour begins to spiral out of control – he skips school, gets into fights, and distances himself from family and friends. Inside Daan‘s turbulent emotional world, validation and special attention gradually intertwine with shame and secrecy, which in many ways echoes the psychological sharpness of Adolescence.