Stars on the Red Carpet
Clive Owen (Gerhard-Kassner, Kviff.com)
Stars will grace the red carpet at the opening and closing ceremonies held in the Grand Hall of the Thermal Hotel, a landmark brutalist building in the heart of Karlovy Vary's spa zone. Don't miss the opening concert on June 28, featuring the popular British band Kosheen in front of the Czech Hotel Thermal, with free admission for the public.
Viggo Mortensen (Kviff.com)
This year’s 58th Karlovy Vary IFF will feature Oscar-winning star Clive Owen, actor-director Viggo Mortensen, known as Aragorn in Peter Jackson´s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, or renowned American filmmaker Steven Soderbergh. The main protagonist of the new official festival trailer will be actor and producer, Oscar winner Benicio del Toro.
The official festival trailers are legendary. Here's one featuring Mel Gibson.
The festival will also pay tribute to Francine Maisler, one of the world's most renowned casting directors, known for her work on films like Dune, Tree of Life, and Birdman.
The festival jury will include famous Australian actor Geoffrey Rush who was catapulted to worldwide fame for his role as the oddball pianist in the drama The Shining. In 2022, Geoffrey Rush was awarded the Crystal Globe at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival for his outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema.
Franz Kafka retrospective with Soderbergh
Steven Soderbergh (Kviff.com)
This year’s extensive retrospective will be dedicated to world-famous writer Franz Kafka, who was born in Prague. The 100th anniversary of his death was also recently commemorated. A film by cult film-maker David Lynch (Twin Peaks series) and the classic Kafka by director Steven Soderbergh stand-out in the selection of films. Read more about Czech writers including Kafka HERE.
What can you expect?
- World premières in Czechia: Many films will have their world or European première screening here.
- Meeting the stars: You can meet famous actors, directors, and producers who will share their stories and experiences with you.
- Discussions and workshops: You can broaden your horizons during thematic discussions.
- Awards and gala evenings: Both ceremonies with the red carpet rolled out in front of the Thermal Hotel are worth it!
- The ambiance of Karlovy Vary: The beauty of this spa town, its architecture, hotel buildings (including the luxurious Grandhotel Pupp or the super-modern multifunctional hall that looks like a giant red crab), the surrounding nature, and the healing mineral springs are among the top experiences in Czechia.
Tickets and practical information
If you want to see any of the festival films in Karlovy Vary, you need to buy a Festival Pass ⬈. This provides you with multiple tickets to multiple films, depending on which option you choose (one-day, three-day, five-day, and full festival). Tickets can be booked via the app or at one of the 25 on-site box offices.
There are many ways to get to Karlovy Vary, you can go by train or bus and there is a regular bus line to Karlovy Vary direct from Václav Havel Airport Prague. Festival buses will transport you around the city and the festival zone. These are free for all festival visitors. Ecology and cycling enthusiasts also have something to look forward to. They will be able to get around the city by bike.
Where to go after the festival
Karlovy Vary is part of the famous Czech Spa Triangle which the town forms together with Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně. You can enjoy culture, rest, relaxation, and walks through beautiful nature here. Golf enthusiasts will also enjoy themselves because Karlovy Vary offers one of the best golf resorts in Czechia.
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