The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is gearing up for its 60th edition, set to take place in the Czech spa town from July 3-11. This year's festival is doubling down on its commitment to Central European co-production with the introduction of two new programs: KVIFF Central Stage and Book-to-Screen at KVIFF. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration between filmmakers and publishers, creating a platform for emerging talent and original IP from the region.
KVIFF Central Stage: Showcasing Established Filmmakers
KVIFF Central Stage is designed to highlight upcoming feature films by established filmmakers in late-stage development, production, or post-production. This program addresses a notable gap in the Central European film landscape, where mid-career filmmakers often face fewer opportunities for visibility and financing compared to emerging talent. The 11 projects selected for this year's showcase include:
- The Flying Mountain (Switzerland, Ireland, Austria) - Directed by Nicolas Steiner, whose previous films have screened at Berlin, Rotterdam, and KVIFF.
- Screaming Girl (Ukraine, Ireland) - Directed by AntonioLukich, whose Luxembourg premiere at Venice and KVIFF screening of My Thoughts Are Silent showcase his talent.
- Noah (Ukraine, Croatia, Belgium) - Directed and written by MarysiaNikitiuk, whose documentary Traces won the Audience Award at Berlinale.
- Lesdenzero (Czech Republic, Switzerland, Hungary, Romania) - Directed by CristinaGroșan, known for her mob drama Ordinary Failures.
- The Stones Are Rolling to Prague (Czech Republic, Slovakia) - Directed and written by TomášHodan, recalling the iconic 1990s Czech concert.
- A Few Branches Off (Czech Republic) - Directed and written by TomášPavlíček, a comedy exploring Czech cottage culture.
- Tribe (Poland, Albania) - Directed and written by OlgaChajdas, a female road movie.
- Trainrider (Germany) - Directed by Sebastian Fritzsch, whose debut Endzeit premiered at Berlin.
- Yugoslavia, My Fatherland (Slovenia, North Macedonia, Serbia) - Directed by GoranVojnović, an adaptation of his own book.
- Cowgirl (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary) - Directed by MichalBlaško, a coming-of-age drama.
- Hansi (Austria) - Directed by SebastianBrauneis, a boxing biography.
These projects will be showcased during an interactive talk show on the Film Industry Main Stage on July 6, providing valuable networking opportunities and exposure for the filmmakers.
Book-to-Screen at KVIFF: Adapting Literary Works
The inaugural Book-to-Screen at KVIFF showcase aims to create a market for film adaptation rights to original IP from Central and Eastern Europe, strengthening cooperation between the film and publishing industries. The eight literary works selected for this program were chosen for their strong cinematic potential and will be presented to domestic and international producers in a talk show format on July 7. The titles include:
- The True Way Out (Czech Republic) - A coming-of-age autobiography by PatrikBanga, winner of the MagnesiaLiteraaward for best debut in 2023.
- Playing Wolf (Czech Republic) - A folk horror thriller by ZuzanaŘíhová, published in France and the USA.
- The Zone (Slovakia) - A graphic novel by DanielMajling, known for its absurd characters and dark humor.
- Queen of Hearts (Moldova) - A dystopian satire by Iulian Ciocan, exploring post-communist Chișinău.
- Aspic Bistro (Lithuania) - A magic-realism satire by IevaDumbrytė, set in a surreal kitchen.
- Cupid at the Kremlin Wall (Georgia) - A historical drama and detective novel by AkaMorchiladze, set during Stalinist terror.
- The River Odyssey of Kora from Willow Meadow (Poland) - A children's literature story by AdamRobiński with ecological themes.
- Amadoka (Ukraine) - A historical/war novel by SophiaAndrukhovych, combining personal and historical trauma.
HugoRosák, the head of KVIFF Film Industry Programs, emphasizes the festival's long-term ambition to become a true Central-Eastern European IP market, fostering dialogue between the film and publishing industries and creating a transparent environment for adaptation rights.
As KVIFF continues to evolve, these new programs signal a commitment to supporting emerging talent, fostering international collaboration, and showcasing the diverse cinematic potential of Central and Eastern Europe.
