diff --git a/syncplay/client.py b/syncplay/client.py
index b43fd9c..83907e0 100644
--- a/syncplay/client.py
+++ b/syncplay/client.py
@@ -299,6 +299,7 @@ class SyncplayClient(object):
             size = os.path.getsize(path)
         except OSError: #file not accessible (stream?)
             size = 0
+        filename = unicode(filename)
         filename, size = self.__executePrivacySettings(filename, size)
         self.userlist.currentUser.setFile(filename, duration, size)
         self.sendFile()