Sumerian Pictures Secures North American Rights to Czech Drama ‘Broken Voices’

Sumerian Pictures, a film distribution company, has bought the North American rights to the Czech drama 'Broken Voices'. The deal sets the stage for a theatrical release in theaters across the US and Canada later this year. Salaud Morisset, a sales firm, is managing the film's sales around the world.

Background

'Broken Voices' comes from the Czech Republic and has already made waves in Europe. The film picked up the Europa Cinemas Label award for the best European film at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival this summer. That festival, one of the biggest in Central Europe, draws filmmakers and buyers from around the world each July. The movie also won the top prize for best film at the Oldenburg International Film Festival in Germany. Oldenburg focuses on independent and bold storytelling, and 'Broken Voices' stood out among entries from dozens of countries.

The story follows a group of young singers in Prague who face personal struggles while preparing for a big choir competition. Director Jan Hřebejk, known for his work on human stories set against big historical events, helmed the project. Hřebejk has directed over 20 films, including 'Pupendo' and 'Kooky', which also played well at festivals. The cast includes rising Czech actors like Matěj Hádl and Barbara Hrůzová, who bring real emotion to their roles as teens dealing with family pressures and dreams of music fame.

Czech cinema has a long history of strong dramas that mix everyday life with deeper social issues. Films from the country often explore themes like identity and resilience, especially in post-communist times. 'Broken Voices' fits this mold, showing how music helps kids navigate tough times in modern Prague. The production wrapped up last year after shooting in real locations around the city, including historic churches and schools where local choirs perform.

Sumerian Pictures enters this space with a track record of bringing international films to North American audiences. The company, based in Los Angeles, has handled releases for titles from Asia and Europe before. They focus on dramas and documentaries that might not get wide pickup from bigger studios. This acquisition comes as theaters look for fresh content post-pandemic, with European films gaining traction thanks to streaming buzz and festival hype.

Key Details

The deal covers all rights for the US and Canada, including theaters, digital platforms, and possibly home video. Sumerian plans a limited theatrical run starting in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto this fall. Exact dates depend on final post-production tweaks and marketing pushes. Salaud Morisset, based in Paris, oversees global sales and has fielded interest from buyers in Asia and Latin America.

Festival Wins and Recognition

At Karlovy Vary, 'Broken Voices' screened in the main competition and beat out films from France, Italy, and Spain for the Europa Cinemas Label. This award highlights movies that boost cinema attendance across Europe. Judges praised the film's honest look at youth and its strong performances. In Oldenburg, it took the top audience and jury prize in September, with viewers calling it a moving portrait of ambition and loss.

The movie runs 105 minutes and is in Czech with English subtitles for North America. Sound design stands out, with real choir recordings mixed into the score. Budget details remain private, but Czech film funds supported much of the production, keeping costs in check for a festival hit.

"'Broken Voices' captures the raw power of young talent pushing through adversity. We're excited to share this gem with North American viewers who love real stories from the heart." – Ray Solley, Head of Acquisitions at Sumerian Pictures

Sumerian beat out a few other distributors for the rights after private screenings in Los Angeles. Talks wrapped up quickly once festival buzz built momentum. The company now handles marketing, including trailers and posters aimed at art-house crowds.

What This Means

This move signals growing demand for European dramas in North America. With big blockbusters dominating screens, films like 'Broken Voices' fill a gap for audiences seeking character-driven tales. The theatrical push could lead to wider availability on streaming services down the line, exposing more people to Czech stories.

For Sumerian, it's a chance to build on past successes and attract festival-goers who travel between Sundance and Toronto. The release timing aligns with awards season, where foreign films often shine. Success here might open doors for more titles from Hřebejk or similar directors.

Salaud Morisset's role keeps options open overseas, potentially leading to deals in other markets. The film's awards give it strong selling points, helping it stand out in crowded slates. North American viewers stand to gain a fresh perspective on universal themes like chasing dreams amid family strife.

Industry watchers see this as part of a trend where mid-sized distributors scoop up festival winners before they hit streaming. It keeps independent cinema alive in theaters, where the big screen enhances emotional impact. 'Broken Voices' now joins a lineup of international picks making their way stateside, promising diverse viewing options through the year.