The 39th Exground Filmfest in Wiesbaden begins on November 13, featuring the drama "Broken Voices" as a contribution in the "Youth Days" section.
The festival will show around 200 independent films from 50 countries over ten days, with the Caligari Film-Bühne serving as the primary venue. The event is supported by the City of Wiesbaden, Hessen Film & Medien, and the Kulturfonds Frankfurt Rhein-Main, which is sponsoring this year’s focus theme, “Kino ohne Grenzen.”
The film "Broken Voices," (Originaltitel: "Sbormistr", 2025) examines the systemic abuse of power within a prestigious Prague girls’ choir during the early 1990s. The narrative follows 13-year-old Karolína, played by Kateřina Falbrová, as she enters an ensemble led by the manipulative conductor Vít Mácha, portrayed by Juraj Loj.
The story is loosely based on the real-world abuse cases within the "Bambini di Praga" choir, whose director, Bohumil Kulínský, was convicted of sexual abuse in 2009.
The film’s production faced its own legal challenges; a woman who identified herself in one of the characters sued the producers for violation of personality rights. According to Radio Prague International, this led to an injunction blocking the film’s broadcast in the Czech Republic until a settlement was reached in June 2026.
The "Made in Germany" section includes the film "Frieda," which was created in 2026. Set in 1984 in the southern German province, the film depicts a young girl’s attempt to uncover family secrets during the Cold War.
After the death of the older Isabel (Maitina De Marco), her beloved Afghan windhound inherits the house.
Where is the main venue for the festival?
The Caligari Film-Bühne in Wiesbaden is the primary location for this year’s screenings after a period of using replacement venues.
How does the festival define its "Kino ohne Grenzen" theme?
The theme focuses on how boundaries are activated, crossed, or defended.
What is the status of the film "Broken Voices" following its legal disputes?
Following a court-ordered injunction and a subsequent settlement in June 2026, the film is now being presented as an important contribution to the festival’s "Youth Days" section.
Keep reading