Exploring the Best of Central and Eastern European Cinema: KVIFF Central Stage and Book-to-Screen Program Highlights
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) has announced the lineup for its KVIFF Central Stage showcase and Book-to-Screen program. The festival, set to take place in the Czech spa town from July 3-11, will feature 11 directors in the KVIFF Central Stage showcase, highlighting established filmmakers like Nicolas Steiner, Antonio Lukich, Olga Chajdas, and Cristina Groșan. These films in development will be presented during an interactive talk show on July 6, offering opportunities for co-production, financing, and festival premieres. Additionally, the inaugural Book-to-Screen program will showcase eight literary works with strong cinematic potential, aiming to foster collaboration between the film and publishing industries in Central and Eastern Europe.
The KVIFF Promises 2026 will present a total of 38 projects across five programs, including feature films, treatments, and original literary IPs. The KVIFF Central Stage program will feature 11 upcoming movies by established filmmakers, while the Book-to-Screen program will present eight award-winning books with potential for film adaptation. The festival aims to create a platform for emerging filmmakers and foster collaboration between the film and publishing industries in the region.
Among the featured projects are "Flying Mountain" from Switzerland, "Screaming Girl" and "Noah" from Ukraine, "Lesdenzero" from Czech Republic, "Tribe" from Poland, "Trainrider" from Germany, "Yugoslavia, My Fatherland" from Slovenia, "Cowgirl" from Slovakia, and "Hansi" from Austria. The Book-to-Screen program includes titles like "The True Way Out" from Czech Republic, "Playing Wolf" from Czech Republic, "The Zone" from Slovakia, "Queen of Hearts" from Moldova, "Aspic Bistro" from Lithuania, "Cupid at the Kremlin Wall" from Georgia, "The River Odyssey of Kora from Willow Meadow" from Poland, and "Amadoka" from Ukraine.
The KVIFF Central Stage and Book-to-Screen programs offer a diverse selection of projects from Central and Eastern Europe, highlighting the region's rich cultural heritage and storytelling traditions. The festival aims to provide a platform for filmmakers and authors to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, and explore opportunities for collaboration and development. Don't miss the exciting lineup at this year's Karlovy Vary International Film Festival!