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, the festival is doubling down on its commitment to Central European co-production with the introduction of the KVIFF Central Stage and the inaugural Book-to-Screen program.
KVIFF Central Stage: Showcasing Established Filmmakers
The KVIFF Central Stage is designed to showcase upcoming feature films by established filmmakers in late-stage development, production, or post-production. This initiative aims to address a notable gap in the Central European film landscape, where mid-career filmmakers often have fewer opportunities for visibility and financing compared to emerging talent. The 11 projects selected for this program are:
- 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 Antonio Lukich, whose Luxembourg premiere at Venice and KVIFF screening of My Thoughts Are Silent showcase his talent.
- Noah (Ukraine, Croatia, Belgium) - Directed and written by Marysia Nikitiuk, whose documentary Traces won the Audience Award at Berlinale.
- Lesdenzero (Czech Republic, Switzerland, Hungary, Romania) - Directed by Cristina Groșan, known for her work in Ordinary Failures.
- The Stones Are Rolling to Prague (Czech Republic, Slovakia) - Directed and written by Tomáš Hodan, recalling the iconic 1990s Czech concert.
- A Few Branches Off (Czech Republic) - Directed and written by Tomáš Pavlíček, exploring Czech cottage culture comedy.
- Tribe (Poland, Albania) - Directed and written by Olga Chajdas, 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 Goran Vojnović, an adaptation of his own book.
- Cowgirl (Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary) - Directed by Michal Blaško, a coming-of-age drama.
- Hansi (Austria) - Directed by Sebastian Brauneis, a boxing biography.
Book-to-Screen Program: Adapting Literary Works
The Book-to-Screen program aims to create a market for film adaptation rights to original IP from Central and Eastern Europe, fostering collaboration between the film and publishing industries. The eight literary works selected for this program are:
- The True Way Out (Czech Republic) - A coming-of-age autobiography by Patrik Banga, winner of the Magnesia Litera award for best debut in 2023.
- Playing Wolf (Czech Republic) - A folk horror psychological thriller by Zuzana Říhová, published in France and the USA.
- The Zone (Slovakia) - A graphic novel by Daniel Majling, praised for its absurd characters and dark humor.
- Queen of Hearts (Moldova) - A dystopian novel by Iulian Ciocan, exploring a post-communist setting.
- Aspic Bistro (Lithuania) - A magic-realism satire by Ieva Dumbrytė, set in a surreal kitchen environment.
- Cupid at the Kremlin Wall (Georgia) - A historical drama and detective novel by Aka Morchiladze, set during Stalinist terror.
- The River Odyssey of Kora from Willow Meadow (Poland) - A children's literature story by Adam Robiński.
- Amadoka (Ukraine) - A historical/war novel by Sophia Andrukhovych, blending personal and historical trauma.
KVIFF's commitment to Central European co-production and the adaptation of literary works is a significant development in the film industry, offering a platform for diverse talent and fostering collaboration between film and publishing.
In my opinion, this initiative is particularly fascinating because it showcases the festival's dedication to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for filmmakers and authors alike. By providing a platform for these projects, KVIFF is not only promoting Central European cinema but also fostering a dialogue between the film and publishing industries, which is essential for the development of original IP and the creation of a more transparent environment for adaptation rights.
