Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Celebrates 80 Years: A Look Back and Ahead
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, the second oldest film festival globally, is gearing up to celebrate its 80th anniversary since the first festival and its 60th edition. To mark these milestones, the festival is organizing an exhibition titled “KVIFF 60/80 (1946–2026)” showcasing photographs from its early years, pre-1989 editions, significant moments, and festival guests. Visitors can explore the festival's history through 30 outdoor panels placed between the Grandhotel Pupp and the Hotel Thermal.
The Out of the Past section will feature 20 films from previous editions that are integral to the festival's identity, including classics like “A Matter of Life and Death” and “Kes.” The festival will also pay tribute to Czech president Václav Havel with a photographic exhibition at the Hotel Thermal. Additionally, the festival is revamping the area around the Hotel Thermal’s Grand Hall to enhance the festival experience for attendees.
This year’s festival will include a gala screening of the digitally restored film “Tainted Horseplay” by Věra Chytilová, focusing on a group of friends facing a crisis after one of them tests positive for HIV. Slovak actress Magda Vášáryová will receive the President’s Award, and the festival will screen “Birds, Orphans and Fools” in her honor. The Future Frames – Generation NEXT of European Cinema program will also return, providing young European filmmakers with mentorship and networking opportunities.
Future Frames will take place from July 5 to 8 at the Hotel Thermal, offering participants training sessions and meetings with industry professionals. The program, supported by Allwyn, UTA, and Range Media Partners, aims to help emerging directors kickstart their careers in the film industry.