Forget Tribeca and Aspen. When it comes to film, Karlovy Vary, the largest and most visited of the Czech Republic’s famous spa towns, is the place to be. Besides being one of the oldest film festivals in the world (it was inaugurated in 1946) it’s one of the most important to the film industry in Central and Eastern Europe. The Karlovy Vary IFF is an opportunity for filmmakers from 18 countries to screen their films to distributors, sales agents, and producers.
But it’s not only about gaining exposure; it incorporates awards and competitions as well. Among the awards are Best Feature, Best Director, and Best Actor & Actress. The festival only screens films produced within the past year, some submission categories even require the film to be be premiered at the festival, whether as a World, International, or European premiere. This ensures the festival is fresh and exciting and inspiring innovation.
Though the festival has been around for decades, it had diminished in popularity due to the political pressure in Soviet Czechoslovakia. It was only in 1994 that it regained its reputation and once again became prestigious, revamped under the guidance of Czech actor Jiri Bartoska and film critic Eva Zaoralova. Since then it has hosted well-known international stars like Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone, and Jude Law.
Each year the festival produces a unique trailer which in past years featured the recipients of the festival’s award for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema, and the statuette, the Crystal Globe. Andy Garcia and Helen Mirren have acted in the trailer, which usually parodies dramatic films. The trailer is a fun way for fans to get excited.
The festival is open to the public and draws over 10,000 people every year. Karlovy Vary is transformed for the 9 day period by hoards of young people camping out to see their favorite entertainers present their films for the small price of 65 CZK (about $3)! This year they will gather again for the 49th Karlovy Vary international Film Festival from July 4th to July 12th. Films selected to screen during the festival will be announced in mid-June but it’s already clear that it will be an exciting year for the IFF. This year the festival will honor among others, William Friedkin, director of both The French Connection and The Exorcist.
For more information check out www.kviff.com/en/news/
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