The Karlovy Vary Film Festival is the most prestigious film festival in Central Europe and has a unique atmosphere. The first one was held in 1946 in Mariánské Lázně, a year later it was moved to Karlovy Vary and since that time it has taken place in the first half of July.
Each year the festival presents the premieres of more than 200 new films from around the world, of which the best is traditionally awarded the main prize, Crystal Globe, during the closing ceremony. The festival includes a variety of film and social celebrities, thousands of film fans, concerts, ceremonies, parties, press conferences and dozens of accompanying events. The center of the festival is the hotel Thermal, but screenings are held virtually throughout the city.
