In the early 1990s Czech Republic, Karolína, 13, is thrilled when she earns a place in an elite girls’ choir alongside her older sister Lucie. Her voice soon ignites the interest of the admired and enigmatic choirmaster, Vit. His attention feels like a triumph – until she begins to understand the unsettling price of that privilege. 

Delicately crafted by Ondřej Provazník and anchored by a remarkable debut from Kateřina Falbrová, Broken Voices is a deeply affecting study of institutional power, complicity, and the combustible mix of admiration, authority, and abuse. Based on real events, this haunting story won the Europa Cinemas Label for Best European Film at the Karlovy Vary IFF and a Special Jury Mention for Falbrová’s outstanding performance.

This screening is presented in collaboration with the International Film Festival Assen (IFA), one of the oldest film festivals in Europe with a pronounced (intersectional) feminist tradition. The festival places a strong focus on female filmmakers and films that question and reframe established perspectives on gender and sexuality. IFA takes place from 5 to 8 March. For more information about the programme, visit filmfestivalassen.nl.

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