Experiencing Interruptions?

CLEAN

'Clean' is inspired by a true story about an ambitious police officer torn between his sworn duty in the 'War on Drugs' and the desperate, personal battle to save his heroin-addicted brother. As he struggles to carry out orders, he faces gut-wrenching choices that pit his loyalty to the law against his love for family. 'Clean' is a quest to expose the pain, guilt, and hope within a man forced to choose between what is right and what is required.

  • Koen Van Sande
    Director
    The Kidnapping of Phil Frisco, Under Fire S3, Nest
  • Koen Van Sande
    Writer
    The Kidnapping of Phil Frisco, Under Fire S3, Nest
  • Daniel Lambo
    Writer
    Los Flamencos, The Kidnapping of Phil Frisco, Nest
  • Jacques Boon
    Writer
    Confiture
  • David Vermander
    Producer
    The Kidnapping of Phil Frisco
  • Marc Goyens
    Producer
    Small Things Like These, Wil, Julie Keeps Quiet, Here
  • Tibo Vandenborre
    Key Cast
    "Mathieu"
    Bull Head, Red Bad, Don't Shoot
  • Vincent Van Sande
    Key Cast
    "Timo"
    Rough Diamants, Arcadia, The Kidnapping of Phil Frisco
  • Ruth Becquart
    Key Cast
    "Myriam"
    Julie Keeps Quiet, Nowhere, The Chapel
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Family Drama, addiction
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 42 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    January 7, 2026
  • Production Budget:
    1,850,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Belgium
  • Country of Filming:
    Belgium
  • Language:
    Albanian, Dutch, French
  • Shooting Format:
    Arri 35S
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Ostend
    Belgium
    February 6, 2026
    World Premiere
    Closing film of the festival
Distribution Information
  • KFD Benelux
    Distributor
    Country: Belgium
    Rights: Theatrical
Director Biography - Koen Van Sande

Koen Van Sande is a Belgian director known for his work in film and television. His short films Research (2014), Cracks (2015), and Lockdown (2018) received international selections and awards. He created the series The Kidnapping of Phil Frisco (2021), directed Onder Vuur (2024). In January 2025, he shot his first feature, Clean. Now he writes the international fiction series, Nest (2026), funded by VRT, VAF and Taiwan.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Clean is a crime drama inspired by the true story of Peter Muyshondt, chief of police at the world-renowned music festival 'Tomorrowland.' After losing his brother to heroin, Peter became an anti-War on Drugs activist. But this is not only his story, it's mine, too.

The movie centers on the intense conflict between two brothers: one a police officer driven by duty and the other consumed by addiction. Their bond, forged by a shared past, becomes a battleground as Mathieu's sense of responsibility and his brother's struggle with heroin addiction pull them apart.

The film questions the struggle for control over ourselves and those we love. Mathieu, a police officer, tries to save his brother through strict isolation, believing control is the answer. But when does control become harmful? What does being "clean" truly mean?

At its core, Clean challenges society's view of addiction. The film questions how we judge and treat addicts: not as criminals, but as human beings. I share this story to confront difficult truths, and it's a journey I'm committed to sharing.