Czech Film Awards 2024: The Choir Master Wins Big, Controversy Follows

The Czech drama “Broken Voices” (Czech title: *Sbormistr*) is making waves – and attracting controversy – as it heads toward potential Oscar consideration. The film, inspired by a real-life sexual abuse scandal involving the prestigious Bambini di Praga choir, recently took home two top prizes at the Czech Film and Television Academy Awards, but is now facing legal challenges and renewed scrutiny over its depiction of events.

Directed by Ondřej Provazník, “Broken Voices” follows a young girl navigating the world of a competitive children’s choir led by a charismatic but ultimately predatory conductor. The film won awards for Best Film and Best Sound, with the Academy acknowledging the difficult subject matter and its importance in sparking conversation. Producer Jiří Konečný stated upon accepting the award, “We made this film to highlight the situation of the victims, to dedicate this film to them as a kind of tribute.”

However, the film’s success has been overshadowed by a lawsuit filed by one of the actual victims of Bohumil Kulínský, the choirmaster whose crimes inspired the film. The lawsuit stems from the film’s use of a first name identical to that of the victim, leading to unwanted recognition and emotional distress. Provazník has previously expressed regret that the film has caused pain to some of the real-life survivors, but the production company, endorfilm, maintains that the film is a fictional work of art.

According to a statement released by endorfilm, they attempted to reach a settlement but were met with demands they deemed unacceptable, including a substantial financial settlement of 10 million Czech crowns (approximately $430,000 USD as of today’s exchange rate) and a ban on television broadcast of the film within the Czech Republic. The company insists it sought to be sensitive to the experiences of survivors while also protecting its artistic vision.

The controversy surrounding “Broken Voices” echoes broader conversations happening within the Czech Republic regarding the #MeToo movement. Karlovy Vary Film Festival artistic director Karel Och recently noted that films like “Broken Voices” are crucial for fostering a national dialogue about sexual abuse and accountability. The film premiered at the Karlovy Vary festival, where it was selected for the Crystal Globe Competition.

The film’s lead actress, Vlastina Falbrová, received praise for her performance, with jurors describing it as “disarming.” The film also garnered attention for its exploration of themes of manipulation and the abuse of power within a seemingly idyllic setting. The script, co-written by Jan Smutný and Lukáš Kokeš, was also recognized at the Czech Film and Television Academy Awards.

Beyond “Broken Voices,” the Czech Film and Television Academy Awards celebrated a diverse range of cinematic achievements. Tomáš Hlaváček’s documentary “House Without an Exit” won Best Documentary, examining the predatory lending practices that exploit vulnerable individuals. Katarína Gramatová’s drama “Above the Sky, Below the Valley” was lauded for its striking cinematography by Tomáš Kotas, utilizing a largely non-professional cast. The crime miniseries “Studna” from the Oneplay platform also took home an award in the “Outside of Cinema” category, drawing inspiration from a real-life family tragedy and a classic episode of the Czech television series “30 Cases of Major Zeman.”

In the short film category, Anastasija Falilejevová’s animated diary-style film “I Died in Irpin” resonated with audiences, documenting the harrowing first days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The awards ceremony itself was a star-studded affair, with former athletes Ludmila Formanová, Vavřinec Hradilek, and Dominik Hašek among those presenting the awards. Youtuber Jan Špaček served as the master of ceremonies.

The situation surrounding “Broken Voices” remains fluid. While the film’s artistic merit is widely acknowledged, the legal battle and the emotional impact on survivors raise complex questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers when tackling sensitive real-life events. The film’s potential Oscar campaign now faces an added layer of scrutiny, as the Academy increasingly emphasizes ethical considerations in its selection process. The controversy highlights the challenges of balancing artistic expression with the need to protect and respect the experiences of those who have suffered trauma.