Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF)
One of the world's oldest and most prestigious film festivals, FIAPF-accredited, held annually in July in the Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary, presenting competitive international cinema in one of Central Europe's most beautiful Art Nouveau settings.
Overview
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious film festivals. Founded in 1946 and held annually in July in Karlovy Vary -- the Czech Republic's famous spa town in western Bohemia -- the festival is FIAPF-accredited and presents competitive international cinema in one of Central Europe's most beautiful settings.
Karlovy Vary's extraordinary architecture -- Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau colonnades, grand hotels, and healing mineral springs -- creates a festival environment unlike any other A-list event. The Crystal Globe, awarded to the Best Film, is one of the most coveted prizes in world cinema.
The festival has served as the primary East-West film exchange point for much of its history. During the Cold War, it was a rare opportunity for Western and Eastern Bloc filmmakers to encounter each other's work. In the post-communist era, KVIFF has maintained its importance as a gateway between Western European and Central and Eastern European cinema.
Key Sections
- Main Competition -- films competing for the Crystal Globe
- East of the West -- competition for Central and Eastern European films
- Documentary Films -- nonfiction features
- Short Films -- competitive short programs
- Special Screenings -- major international films outside competition
What Filmmakers Should Know
KVIFF accepts submissions by invitation for the Main Competition and open submissions for other sections. The Crystal Globe is a major international prize. The East of the West competition provides a dedicated platform for Central and Eastern European cinema that is unique among A-list festivals.
Major Awards
- Crystal Globe -- Best Film
- Special Jury Prize
- Best Director
- Best Actress / Best Actor
- East of the West Award
Festival History
KVIFF was founded in 1946, shortly after World War II, and has operated with minor interruptions for nearly eight decades.
See Also
For Central European cinema, see International Film Markets. For FIAPF accreditation, see Film Festival Strategy.
