Stepping onto the Red Carpet: The Visual Identity of the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
This year's visual identity for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) celebrates the festival's 60th edition and the 80th year since its founding with a new theme: a red carpet. Designed by Jonatan Kuna and Aleš Najbrt of Studio Najbrt, the red carpet symbolizes an invitation to all festival visitors and film enthusiasts. The design aims to evoke various associations and interpretations while representing the essence of the festival.
The choice of the red carpet theme was inspired by the glamour and excitement of festivals, aiming to make this year's KVIFF inclusive for everyone, not just stars and filmmakers. The team behind the visual identity always seeks new themes or concepts, whether abstract or specific, to keep the design fresh and engaging for each edition of the festival.
Creating a visual identity for KVIFF is a challenge every year as the team strives to innovate and avoid repetition. One memorable year was the 49th edition when they transformed the number 49 into a playful drawing of a pig, initially met with skepticism but later embraced by festival attendees. Each year presents an opportunity for creativity and experimentation.
The warm red color chosen for this year's visual identity captures the summer atmosphere of the festival, while the vertical orientation of the red carpet symbolizes progress and forward movement towards the event. Studio Najbrt's longstanding collaboration with KVIFF, spanning over 30 years, reflects a strong relationship with film and a deep trust from the festival's leadership. Their work continues to evolve, staying true to the festival's spirit while exploring new creative directions.