diff --git a/syncplay/client.py b/syncplay/client.py
index 83907e0..b43fd9c 100644
--- a/syncplay/client.py
+++ b/syncplay/client.py
@@ -299,7 +299,6 @@ 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()
diff --git a/syncplay/players/mplayer.py b/syncplay/players/mplayer.py
index 2da079e..36e19ce 100644
--- a/syncplay/players/mplayer.py
+++ b/syncplay/players/mplayer.py
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ class MplayerPlayer(BasePlayer):
             self._filepath = value
             self._pathAsk.set()
         elif(name == "filename"):
-            self._filename = value
+            self._filename = value.decode('utf-8')
             self._filenameAsk.set()
     
     @staticmethod
diff --git a/syncplay/players/vlc.py b/syncplay/players/vlc.py
index 279ca8a..b375b1e 100644
--- a/syncplay/players/vlc.py
+++ b/syncplay/players/vlc.py
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ class VlcPlayer(BasePlayer):
             self._positionAsk.set()
         elif(name == "filename"):
             self._filechanged = True
-            self._filename = value
+            self._filename = value.decode('utf-8')
             self._filenameAsk.set()
         elif(line.startswith("interface-version: ")):
             interface_version = line[19:24]