# Reception of the film Pramen

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/reception-of-the-film-pramen
> Updated: 2026-10-18T10:28:30.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Czech film ‘Pramen’, directed by Ivan Ostrochovský, explores the medical environment of 1980s Czechoslovakia. The narrative follows a gynecologist who experiences a personal awakening while working within a system that performs abortions and the sterilization of Roma women.

Following its premiere at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, the film was shortlisted as one of forty candidates for the European Film Academy’s feature film award. However, the production has faced criticism from human rights activists and researchers. Critics argue the film ‘manipulates history by relativizing state-driven eugenic policies’ and fails to hold state institutions accountable, instead focusing on individual doctors. Additional concerns were raised regarding the use of stereotypical Roma depictions and the placement of historical trauma in an ‘apolitical context’.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Pramen film shortlisted for European Film Awards

The film ‘Pramen’, which depicts the historical sterilization of Roma women in Czechoslovakia, has been shortlisted for the European Film Awards amid criticism regarding its historical accuracy and political de

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pramen-film-shortlisted-for-european-film-awards

### 2026-10-17: Czech film Pramen explores medical ethics and historical sterilization

The film Pramen, starring Anna Geislerová, depicts the medical landscape of 1980s Czechoslovakia and the systemic sterilization of Roma women.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-film-pramen-explores-medical-ethics-and-historical-sterilization

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Cite as: Reception of the film Pramen. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/reception-of-the-film-pramen