Broken Voices

It’s the early 1990s and 13-year-old Karolína, a gifted novice singer, is given the chance to become a member of a world-famous girls’ choir, taking her place alongside her older sister and her other rivals in the ensemble. Everything points to the fact that Karolína’s exceptional talent has caught the attention of the formidable and much admired choirmaster. This highly anticipated psychological drama calls to mind not only the notorious case of Bambini di Praga, but also other devastating situations involving the clash of innocence and abusive authority. In a work entirely free of sensationalism, Provazník demonstrates focused humility and extraordinary sensitivity towards his fledgling actors as he depicts an exclusive world, in which desirable prestige goes hand in hand with premature coming of age.

"With subtle hints and precisely measured doses of the fragility and cruelty of adolescence, BROKEN VOICES shows how manipulation and its easy victims are born." (Jana Podskalská, Deník)

Come see the drama of a teenage girl who, in the early 1990s, tries to succeed in a prestigious girls' choir led by an admired man. The film, which sensitively deals with the topic of sexual violence, received a Special Mention at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival for the acting performance of debutante Kateřina Falbrová. The film also received two nominations for the Czech Film Critics' Awards – for Best Actress and Discovery of the Year. The drama, inspired by the Kulínský case, is also in the running for the Czech Film Critics' Award for Best Film, Best Actor for Juraj Loj, and Best Director and Screenplay for Ondřej Provazník. The three nominees, Falbrová, Loj, and Provazník, will be joined by producer Jiří Konečný for a discussion with the audience moderated by Kristina Roháčková, a member of the Czech Film Critics' Association.

The 16th Czech Film Critics' Awards will be presented on Saturday, February 7, with YouTuber, comedian, and former political commentator Jan Špaček hosting the gala evening. Czech Television will broadcast the ceremony live on ČT art at 8:15 p.m.