Czech Netflix “Family Film” Sparks Outrage Among Parents and Students in Novoborská Nine

Czech Film Sparks Outrage After Viewers Report Disturbing Content, Forced Screenings of Nine-Year-Olds

Prague, Czech Republic – A newly released Czech film is facing intense scrutiny and accusations of inappropriate content after multiple reports surfaced detailing its disturbing nature and, in one shocking case, its forced screening to elementary school students. The film, directed by Martin Pohl, was initially perceived by one family as a lighthearted comedy akin to the popular Czech film Pelíšky, but quickly proved to be anything but.

Eva Bláhová, a mother interviewed by Praguein.cz, recounted her 15-year-old daughter Eliška’s experience with the film. “Eliška watched for about fifteen minutes. The plot was spinning around a boy who became a new employee of a marketing company and got assigned an apartment in a dilapidated location. We left the room before she could see any more,” Bláhová stated, adding that her daughter was deeply disturbed and unable to sleep for two days afterward.

The initial report sparked debate online, with some questioning the veracity of the story, which Praguein.cz vehemently defends. Though, the concerns quickly escalated with a second, even more alarming account.A reader contacted Praguein.cz detailing a situation at an elementary school in nový Bor, Česká Lípa district. The reader alleges that her daughter was “upset” after being forced to watch the film in class. The situation took a disturbing turn when the daughter refused to continue viewing the movie. According to the reader, the teacher “shouted her with the fact that she had to watch him!”

The mother confronted the teacher, who reportedly defended the screening by stating that depictions of “drug addicts” were “normal and commonly accessible to children from the age of fifteen.” The mother countered that the content was “disgusting and vulgar” for young children, leaving the teacher without a response.

Attempts by Praguein.cz to reach the director of the nový Bor elementary school, Jakub Ujka, were unsuccessful. Calls and emails went unanswered.

Director martin Pohl, when reached for comment, suggested a possible rationale behind the screening, stating, “The film is recommended to watch at least from the age of 16, but if the teacher recognized it to the nine-year-old, he probably knew why he did it. It was apparently an angry class full of potential addicts and the teacher chose the shock to discourage them.” Pohl also indicated he would like to understand the motives of those who authorized the film’s screening in the school.

The controversy raises serious questions about content regulation and responsible film viewing within the Czech education system. Archyde.com will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.

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Related Topics: Czech Republic, Film Controversy, Education, Censorship, Child Welfare, Martin Pohl, praguein.cz

How does the film “the forgotten Orchard” portray the Sudeten German expulsion, and why is this portrayal considered problematic by historians like Dr. Jana Horáková?

The Controversy Surrounding “The Forgotten Orchard”

A newly released Czech Netflix film, “The Forgotten Orchard” ( Zapomenutá Sady), marketed as a family-kind production, has ignited a firestorm of controversy in the town of Novoborská Nine and beyond. Parents and students are voicing strong objections to the film’s content,alleging it contains inappropriate themes and imagery for younger audiences. The core of the dispute centers around depictions of historical events relating to the region, specifically the post-war displacement of German-speaking populations.

Key Complaints & Concerns

The backlash isn’t simply about a difference of opinion; it’s a coordinated response fueled by specific concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the primary issues:

Historical Revisionism: Many residents of Novoborská Nine, and historians specializing in the Sudetenland region, accuse the film of glossing over the complexities of the 1945 expulsion of German citizens. Critics argue the film portrays the displaced individuals sympathetically without adequately acknowledging the context of Nazi occupation and collaboration.

Disturbing imagery: Parents report scenes depicting violence and emotional distress are too graphic for children, despite the film’s “family film” categorization on Netflix.Specific complaints focus on a sequence showing the forced removal of families from their homes.

Lack of Sensitivity: The film’s narrative, according to protestors, lacks sensitivity towards the victims of both the Nazi regime and the subsequent expulsion. This perceived imbalance has been notably upsetting to families with direct ties to the historical events.

Educational Misrepresentation: Teachers at the novoborská Nine gymnasium have expressed concern that the film could be used by students as a source of historical facts, leading to a skewed understanding of the region’s past.

Novoborská Nine: Ground Zero for Protest

Novoborská Nine, a town deeply affected by the post-war displacement, has become the epicenter of the protests.

Student Walkouts: Students at the local gymnasium organized walkouts, demanding Netflix remove the film from its platform or add a disclaimer acknowledging the historical complexities.

Parental Petitions: Online petitions calling for the film’s removal have garnered thousands of signatures. A physical petition, circulated within Novoborská Nine, collected over 800 signatures in just three days.

Town Hall Meeting: A heated town hall meeting was held on August 7th,2025,with residents confronting local officials and demanding action. The meeting was attended by representatives from several historical societies.

Social Media Campaign: A dedicated hashtag, #zapomenutasadytruth (ForgottenOrchardTruth), is trending on czech social media, amplifying the voices of dissent and sharing critical analyses of the film.

Netflix’s Response & Industry Implications

As of August 10th, 2025, Netflix has issued a brief statement acknowledging the concerns, stating they are “reviewing the feedback” and “committed to presenting diverse perspectives.” Though, the film remains available on the platform.

This controversy raises vital questions about:

Content Moderation: The obligation of streaming services to accurately portray historical events and avoid perpetuating harmful narratives.

Age Ratings & Parental Controls: The effectiveness of current age rating systems and the need for more robust parental control options.

Historical Accuracy in Film: The ethical considerations for filmmakers tackling sensitive historical subjects.

The Role of Streaming Services in Cultural Dialog: How platforms like Netflix navigate complex cultural and historical debates.

Expert Opinions & Historical Context

Dr. Jana Horáková, a historian specializing in Sudetenland history at Charles University in Prague, stated, “While artistic license is understandable, ‘The Forgotten Orchard’ significantly simplifies a deeply traumatic period. The film risks minimizing the suffering of those who were victims of Nazi aggression while simultaneously romanticizing the plight of those displaced after the war. A nuanced approach was desperately needed.”

The expulsion of German-speaking populations from Czechoslovakia after World War II, known as the Sudeten German expulsion, remains a contentious topic. While justified by many as a response to years of occupation and collaboration,the expulsion itself was marked by violence,hardship,and loss of life. Understanding this complex history is crucial to avoiding similar injustices in the future.

Resources for Further Information

Sudeten German Archive: https://www.sudetendeutsches-archiv.de/en/

**Czech Historical