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Broken Voices Premieres at Karlovy Vary to Acclaim for Subtle Reckoning With Choir Abuse

Ondřej Provazník’s 16mm-shot drama is earning praise for its psychological focus with the director inviting audience discussions on safeguarding minors ahead of its wider release

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Overview

  • The film debuted in competition at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on July 6, 2025, where critics highlighted its restrained approach to depicting institutional abuse without graphic scenes
  • Shot on grainy 16mm film to evoke early 1990s post-Communist Prague, the narrative follows 13-year-old Karolína’s induction into the Bambini di Praga choir and the subtle signs of predation by the choirmaster
  • Provazník intentionally avoids explicit depictions of violence to foreground the psychological impact of the director’s betrayal and to broaden accessibility for younger viewers
  • The production from Endorfilm, sold by Salaud Morisset and starring Kateřina Falbrová, Juraj Loj and Maya Kintera, is positioned for arthouse distribution across Europe
  • Following the festival premiere and debut of the trailer, the director has begun hosting post-screening talks aimed at fostering open dialogue on recognizing and preventing abuse of minors