The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, or KVIFF, is gearing up for its 60th edition with a host of exciting new initiatives. The festival is expanding its industry program, renaming it KVIFF Promises, and broadening its scope from regional to global. This transformation aims to strengthen the festival's position as a key meeting point for international co-production and discovery.
One of the most intriguing new additions is the Book-to-Screen program, inspired by the Berlinale's Books initiative. Developed in collaboration with Frankfurt Book Fair, Book World, and the Moravian Library in Brno, this program will showcase up to 10 book titles from Central and Eastern Europe that are suitable for film or series adaptations. The goal is to create a market for film rights to adaptations of literary works from the region, fostering stronger ties between the film and book industries.
Jana Tomas Sedláčková, a member of the PPF Foundation's board of directors, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, highlighting the potential for new opportunities and benefits for Czech and Central European culture.
KVIFF Promises is also expanding its horizons, dropping its regional focus to embrace projects from across the globe. This shift will strengthen its position as a vital platform for international co-production and discovery.
Another notable initiative is the Global Media Makers Residency, a collaboration with the U.S. embassies in Bratislava and Prague, and Film Independent. This program will bring together 14-20 independent producers from the Czech Republic and Slovakia for an intensive, hands-on residency. The goal is to explore new approaches to private financing and draw inspiration from the U.S. film industry, providing participants with practical insights into financing structures, packaging strategies, and international collaboration.
The festival will also host the International Casting Directors Association (ICDA) and its annual Semiramis Award for Excellence in Casting. This year, the ICDA will present the award at the festival and host panels and masterclasses exploring the craft and impact of casting in contemporary filmmaking. With several dozen international casting directors in attendance, the event promises to be a significant moment in the history of the profession.
These new initiatives reflect KVIFF's commitment to innovation and its role as a catalyst for the growth of the audiovisual industry in Central Europe. By broadening its scope and embracing new formats, the festival is poised to become an even more influential platform for filmmakers, producers, and distributors worldwide.
