Czech Film ‘The Choir Master’ Banned: Lawsuit & Trauma Claims Emerge

A Czech court has issued a preliminary injunction halting the television broadcast of the film Sbormistr (The Choir Master), following a lawsuit filed by a woman alleging the film infringes upon her personal rights. The case centers around the film’s inspiration from the highly publicized case of Bohumil Kulínský, the former choir master of the Bambini di Praga, who was convicted of sexually abusing members of his choir.

The Immediate Halt to Broadcasts

The Obvodní soud pro Prahu 4 (Prague 4 District Court) granted the preliminary injunction on March 18, 2026, as confirmed by attorney Ivan David, representing the plaintiff. The injunction specifically targets terrestrial television broadcasts within the Czech Republic, but does not currently extend to streaming or other distribution methods. According to David, the woman recognizes herself as one of the victims depicted in the film and argues that its portrayal has caused her harm. ČT24 reports that the injunction remains in effect until a final court decision is reached.

Česká televize (Czech Television), a co-producer of Sbormistr, had planned to premiere the drama on April 5th in a primetime slot, simultaneously releasing it on its iVysílání streaming platform. Yet, the preliminary injunction now prevents the broadcast on both platforms, as confirmed by ČT spokesperson Radek Konečný. Česká justice details the scope of the ban.

What’s Confirmed, and What’s Still Unclear

It’s crucial to understand that This represents a preliminary injunction, not a final ruling on the merits of the case. As both David and Jiří Konečný, a producer with Endorfilm (another production company involved), emphasize, the court has not yet determined guilt or innocence. The injunction simply indicates the court believes the plaintiff’s claim of harm is serious enough to warrant immediate protection pending a full trial.

What remains unclear is the precise nature of the plaintiff’s claims beyond the assertion of a violation of her personal rights. Details regarding the specific scenes or portrayals she objects to have not been publicly released. The extent to which the court will consider artistic license versus the right to privacy will be a key factor in the final decision.

Sbormistr: A Film Rooted in a National Scandal

Sbormistr, directed by Ondřej Provazník, is a dramatization inspired by the 2013 scandal surrounding Bohumil Kulínský and the Bambini di Praga choir. Kulínský was ultimately convicted of sexually abusing several young female choir members. The case sent shockwaves through the Czech Republic, sparking national conversations about abuse of power and the protection of children. Novinky.cz provides background on the case.

The film’s production was already marked by controversy. Prior to the legal challenge, producers announced they would change the name of the main character due to the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the case. This decision, however, did not appease the plaintiff, who felt the film still too closely mirrored her personal experiences.

Why This Case Matters: Balancing Artistic Freedom and Personal Rights

This legal battle raises complex questions about the boundaries of artistic expression when dealing with sensitive and traumatic real-life events. Even as filmmakers often draw inspiration from true stories, they must navigate the potential for causing harm to individuals who may be identifiable within those narratives. The court’s decision signals a willingness to prioritize the protection of personal rights, even when weighed against the public interest in exploring key social issues.

According to Deník N, legal expert Lucie Mlynářová described the court’s decision as “courageous,” suggesting it sets a precedent for future cases involving similar conflicts between artistic freedom and individual privacy. She argues that the ruling could have a significant impact on how filmmakers approach sensitive subject matter in the future.

The Business Implications and What Comes Next

The injunction throws the release plans for Sbormistr into disarray. Beyond the immediate halt to television broadcasts, the situation creates uncertainty for potential international distribution deals and future streaming releases. Endorfilm has stated it respects the court’s decision and will cooperate fully with the legal process, but the delay will undoubtedly impact the film’s visibility and potential revenue.

The next steps involve a full trial where the court will hear evidence from both sides and make a final determination on the merits of the case. The timeline for this trial is currently unknown, but it could accept several months or even years to reach a resolution. In the meantime, the film remains unavailable for broadcast in the Czech Republic, and its future remains uncertain. Producers are focused on providing the court with all relevant information to demonstrate the film’s intent to raise awareness about abuse and contribute to prevention efforts.