KVIFF Industry Days 2026: Expanding Horizons in Film Industry Collaboration
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is gearing up for its 60th edition with new initiatives in its industry program. The festival will introduce a book-to-screen program and expand the works-in-progress market, now called KVIFF Promises, to have a global focus. The industry program will feature two strands, Cinematic Focus and Screen Focus, addressing various topics relevant to audiovisual professionals in Central Europe. KVIFF Industry Days 2026 will be held from July 5 to July 8 at the Kaiserbad venue in the Czech spa city.
One of the new offerings at KVIFF is the Book-to-Screen program, developed in collaboration with various partners to present up to 10 book titles suitable for film or series adaptations from Central and Eastern Europe. The long-term goal is to create a market for film rights to literary works from the region, fostering cooperation between the film and book industries. KVIFF Promises, now with an expanded international scope, aims to be a key platform for international co-production and discovery.
In partnership with the U.S. embassies in Bratislava and Prague, and Film Independent, KVIFF Industry Days will host the U.S. Department of State's Global Media Makers Residency. This program will provide independent producers from the Czech Republic and Slovakia with insights into private financing and international collaboration in the film industry. Additionally, the International Casting Directors Association will present its annual Semiramis Award for Excellence in Casting at KVIFF, along with hosting panels and masterclasses on the craft and impact of casting in contemporary filmmaking.
The 2026 edition of KVIFF promises to be a significant moment for the industry, with new initiatives and special events that aim to enhance collaboration, creativity, and innovation in the world of cinema. The festival's commitment to supporting emerging talent and fostering international partnerships underscores its role as a vital platform for the global film community.