A Night That Sparked a Film
In 2004, while spending an evening at a bar and attending the prestigious film and television school FAMU in Prague, Czech writer-director Ondřej Provazník overheard a striking scene. A group of women, using their mobile phone, serenaded a man with their enchanting choral voices. The man on the other end was Bohumil Kulínský Jr., the ex-director of the esteemed Bambini di Praga girls’ choir, who had been recently accused and arrested for sexually abusing many choir members over several years.
“The scene was surreal, with these women singing in captivating, complex harmonies, yet it was to someone accused of such serious crimes,” Provazník shared with Deadline at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. “It was a poignant moment of contradiction; they were once part of a group that had accused him, yet here they were, displaying deep loyalty. That night is etched in my memory.”
The Catalyst for a Film
It wasn’t until the rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017, which sought to expose and condemn sexual misconduct, that Provazník felt compelled to start crafting a screenplay. This led to the creation of Broken Voices, a drama that debuted at the KVIFF and is vying for the Crystal Globe Competition.
“The trial itself seemed like a forerunner to the #MeToo movement and it deeply affected Czech society,” he explained. “I began with research, gradually developing a narrative loosely inspired by these harrowing events.”
Storyline of Broken Voices
The film is set in the early 1990s in the Czech Republic and follows 13-year-old Karolina (played by Kateřina Falbrová) as she secures a spot in a globally renowned girls’ choir, joining her older sister (Maya Kintera) and other skilled young singers. Her exceptional voice soon draws the attention of the choir’s revered yet mysterious conductor, Machá (Juraj Loj). Initially, being his favorite seems like an honor, but Karolina soon realizes the disturbing cost of this favoritism as the film navigates the delicate interface between innocence and exploitation.
Provazník engaged with women who had experienced these dynamics firsthand, both those who condemned and those who defended the choirmaster. “I spoke with women from both perspectives to understand their staunch support for him. Once I grasped that, it became a central enigma in the narrative,” he remarked.
Having co-directed two feature documentaries, A Town Called Hermitage and Coal in the Soul, Provazník’s background in documentary filmmaking enriched his approach to narrative fiction, blending realism with elements that challenge the expected norms.
Lead actress Falbrová, who was actually part of a choir, lent her genuine singing talent to the film. Initially, Provazník hoped to cast adult actresses for the roles of Karolina and her sister but ended up casting actors who were the age depicted in the script. “This required significant script adjustments to ensure their safety,” he admitted.
“From the outset, we prioritized the safety of the young actresses involved. I discussed the script with their parents, ensured they understood the context, and prepared them for potential public reactions post-release,” Provazník emphasized.
While the film employs nuanced cinematography and subtle performances to convey its story, the use of intimacy coordinators on set was crucial to maintain a safe environment. “Given the film’s sensitive subject of trauma, it was imperative that the filming process did not inflict further distress,” he stated.
Music is vital in Broken Voices, with Provazník opting for live singing by members of the Prague Philharmonic Children’s Choir, avoiding playback to preserve authenticity. “We had separate sound crews for dialogue and choir recordings, ensuring that all musical elements were captured flawlessly,” he noted.
The 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where Broken Voices premiered, will conclude on July 12.
Daniel Hayes is a business journalist with a focus on market trends, startups, and corporate strategies.
His sharp analysis and investigative reports make complex financial topics accessible to all readers.
