The 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is set to celebrate its 80th anniversary with a lineup that showcases the festival's enduring global appeal and its commitment to discovering fresh cinematic voices. As the festival's artistic director, Karel Och, reflects on this double anniversary, he highlights the festival's ability to evolve while staying true to its core values. In this exclusive interview, Och provides a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process and the festival's ongoing relevance in the ever-changing film landscape.
A Global Perspective, a Festival Tradition
One of the most striking aspects of KVIFF is its global reach. Och emphasizes that the festival has always strived to bring films from various corners of the world to its main competition. This commitment to diversity is rooted in the early days of the festival, when founder A. M. Brousil created a programming section dedicated to young and new cinematographies from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. This initiative not only programmed films but also brought filmmakers to Karlovy Vary, fostering connections between auteurs from different cultures. For instance, Brazilian filmmaker Glauber Rocha and Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini became friends during the 1962 festival, a testament to the festival's ability to transcend geographical boundaries.
Firsts and Fresh Voices
The 2026 edition of KVIFF is no exception to this global reach. Och proudly notes that the festival will feature its first-ever films from Myanmar and Colombia, as well as the first Swiss entry in the Crystal Globe competition. These 'firsts' are not just symbolic but also a result of the festival's proactive approach to scouting and supporting emerging talent. For instance, the Colombian film 'Five Years, Four Months' was discovered at the San Sebastian Film Festival's works-in-progress showcase, and the Swiss film 'A Happy Family' was seen at the Les Arcs Film Festival's similar event. This proactive approach is made possible by the festival's open-mindedness and the growing accessibility of industry platforms to global filmmakers.
Crossing Boundaries, Both Spiritually and Physically
Och points out that the filmmakers presenting their work at KVIFF this year are not just crossing geographical boundaries but also spiritual and cultural ones. The competition film 'Hijamat', directed by Nader Saeivar and produced and edited by Jafar Panahi, is a prime example. The film, set in the Turkish community in Germany, is directed by an Iranian filmmaker, blending cultural and spiritual elements. Och argues that this diversity of stories and cultures is what makes KVIFF so special. It's not just about the films but also about the people behind them, their experiences, and their perspectives.
The Joy of Discovery
While the festival receives over 1,800 submissions annually, Och sees this as a source of joy rather than frustration. The sheer volume of submissions means there's a higher chance of discovering hidden gems. The process of selecting these films is both challenging and rewarding, as it involves not just the artistic director but also the entire programming team. Och's personal touch, such as spending long hours in the National Film Archive, adds a layer of authenticity to the selection process, ensuring that the festival remains true to its heritage while embracing new voices and perspectives.
A Festival for the Future
As KVIFF looks ahead to its 80th anniversary, Och is optimistic about the festival's future. He believes that the festival's ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to its core values will ensure its continued relevance. The global scope of the festival, combined with its commitment to discovering fresh voices, positions KVIFF as a beacon for filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike. In Och's words, the festival is not just about celebrating the past but also about shaping the future of cinema.
In conclusion, the 60th edition of KVIFF is a testament to the festival's enduring appeal and its ability to connect with audiences worldwide. As the festival looks back on its rich history, it also looks forward to the future, embracing new technologies, global perspectives, and fresh voices. With Och at the helm, KVIFF is poised to continue its legacy as a leading international film festival, offering a unique platform for filmmakers and a rich cinematic experience for audiences.
