A new Czech drama delving into the complexities of authority and abuse within a prestigious girls’ choir is set to premiere this summer. Directed by Ondřej Provazník, Broken Voices (Sbormistr) draws inspiration from real-life events, notably the sexual abuse scandal involving the Bambini di Praga choir in the early 2000s. The film aims to shed light on the intricate relationships between victims and perpetrators, as well as the societal challenges in acknowledging and addressing such abuse.
Set against the backdrop of the Czech Republic’s newfound freedom in the 1990s, the narrative follows 13-year-old Karolína, portrayed by Kateřina Falbrová, as she navigates the competitive world of a renowned girls’ choir led by the charismatic yet authoritarian Vítězslav Mácha, played by Juraj Loj. Through Karolína’s eyes, the film explores themes of ambition, manipulation, and the blurred lines between mentorship and exploitation.
Inspired by real events
Provazník, known for his award-winning film Old-Timers (Staříci), was motivated to create Broken Voices after examining the controversial case of Bohumil Kulínský, the former conductor of Bambini di Praga, who was convicted of sexually abusing underage choir members. The director emphasized that the film is a fictional account, aiming to portray the complexities and emotional turmoil experienced by victims.
“This story is not a direct retelling of the Bambini di Praga case, but it was certainly a source of inspiration,” he said in a press release. “What fascinated me was how people who experienced the same events could remember them so differently—and how the lines between memory, loyalty, and denial can blur.”
Kulínský, the real-life conductor convicted of abusing underage choir members, was sentenced to over five years in prison in 2009 after years of legal proceedings and public controversy. The case was marked by conflicting testimonies: some former members accused him of serious misconduct, while others publicly defended him. That tension—between different versions of the truth, and the social pressures that shape them—forms the emotional core of Broken Voices.
Karolína is portrayed by newcomer Falbrová, who was cast after a nationwide search. According to producers, the role required not just strong acting skills but also the ability to sing at a professional level, as all choral performances in the film were recorded live. In a departure from typical music-themed films, no playback was used during production; the girls sang together in real time, often with only a few takes to get it right.
“It adds an authenticity you simply can’t fake,” Provazník said of the live vocal performances.
The production assembled a mixed cast of professional actresses and real choir members to replicate the atmosphere of a functioning ensemble. Loj underwent months of training with conductors Tono Popovič and Petr Louženský to convincingly embody a conductor’s posture, gestures, and presence. Louženský remained on set throughout the shoot as a music advisor and helped stage many of the performance scenes.
Filming in Czechia and New York City
To ensure authenticity, the filmmakers cast real choir members alongside young actresses, capturing live singing performances without playback. The production utilized 16mm film to evoke the era’s aesthetic, with shooting locations spanning Brno, Prague, Mladá Boleslav, the Jizera and Orlické Mountains, and New York City.
The New York scenes presented challenges in recreating the 1990s setting, but the team successfully filmed in locations like the Manhattan subway, Central Park, and the Bossert Hotel in Brooklyn.
The soundtrack blends classical choral music with modern elements by Czech producers Aid Kid and Isama Zing, whose subtle contributions underscore the psychological complexity of the film without overwhelming its quieter moments. “Music is not just a backdrop here,” said producer Vratislav Šlajer of Endorfilm. “It’s an integral part of the characters’ lives and emotional states — both a source of beauty and a medium of control.”
Produced by Endorfilm in collaboration with Punkchart Films, Czech Television, Innogy, and Barrandov Studio, Broken Voices received support from various film funds, including Eurimages and the Czech Audiovisual Fund. The film is scheduled for release in Czech cinemas on July 10, 2025.
