The creators of the film *The Choir Master* have decided to change the name of the main character, Karolína, for future releases. The decision comes after one of the victims inspired by the case of convicted Bohumil Kulínský recognized herself in the film, due in part to the use of the same first name.
Endorfilm, the film’s primary production company, along with its co-producers and director/screenwriter Ondřej Provazník, are taking the step to address the sensitive situation.
The film, which premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, is a fictionalized account inspired by the case of Bohumil Kulínský, a choir master convicted of abusing young members of his Bambini di Praga choir.
Endorfilm emphasized that *The Choir Master* is a work of fiction inspired by real events and not the story of any specific individual. The film was released in Czech cinemas last summer and is currently available on streaming platforms, including Netflix.
“While our film tells a fictional story inspired by the experiences of a number of victims, we do not desire anyone to feel unintentionally connected to the work. That is why we decided to make the change,” explained producer Jiří Konečný.
The name change is intended to prevent misunderstandings and allow public debate to remain focused on protecting children and preventing abuse of power. Director Ondřej Provazník previously expressed regret that his film had emotionally affected some actual victims.
According to a previous statement, Endorfilm attempted to reach a settlement in the dispute surrounding the film, but the opposing party made unacceptable demands, including a $3.4 million (10 million Czech crowns) payment and a ban on television broadcasts of *The Choir Master* in the Czech Republic.
Karolína R., the individual who recognized herself in the film, responded on her Facebook account, stating that the producers’ claims were untrue. “During out-of-court negotiations, I asked the filmmakers through my legal representative to propose the amount of financial compensation themselves,” she wrote.
The filmmakers reportedly indicated a willingness to negotiate, but after repeated requests, failed to submit any concrete proposal. “I am requesting the $3.4 million in the lawsuit I filed after the out-of-court negotiations collapsed due to the inaction of the filmmakers,” she added.
She clarified that the funds are not for her personal use, but would be allocated to support victims of sexual violence, including psychological and legal assistance. According to Karolína, the filmmakers were informed of this purpose for the financial compensation from the beginning.
The change to the film, which is technically and creatively complex, aims to be completed without disrupting the final form of the work. Producers intend to select a recent name that feels natural while avoiding any association with names publicly linked to the case that inspired the film.
Karolína R. Also commented on this point, stating that she is aware of other victims who were retraumatized by the film. “The lawsuit was also filed in their interest. The film does not only affect me, but also other girls/women who have been harmed repeatedly as a result of the criminal activity,” she wrote.
*The Choir Master* was recently named the best film of the year by the Czech Film Critics’ Association. Sixteen-year-vintage Kateřina Falbrová also received an award for her leading role. The film received 13 nominations for the Czech Lion Award, with the ceremony taking place on March 14.
