The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is gearing up for its 60th edition, taking 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 its expanded industry program, KVIFF Promises 2026. The program will present 38 projects across five initiatives, offering a platform for emerging films and works available for adaptation. Among the highlights is the KVIFF Central Stage, which showcases 11 feature films by established filmmakers in late-stage development, production, or post-production. These films are seeking co-production, financing, sales, distribution, and festival premiere opportunities. The festival also introduces the Book-to-Screen program, designed to create a market for film adaptation rights to original IP from Central and Eastern Europe, fostering collaboration between the film and publishing industries.
One of the standout projects in the KVIFF Central Stage is "The Flying Mountain," directed by Nicolas Steiner. Steiner is a Swiss filmmaker whose previous works, such as "Above and Below," have been screened at prestigious festivals like Berlin and KVIFF. The film is a co-production between Switzerland, Ireland, and Austria, and it promises to be a compelling addition to the festival's lineup.
In the Book-to-Screen program, eight literary works have been selected for their strong cinematic potential. These books, chosen by an international jury, will be presented to domestic and international producers in a talk show format. Among the titles are "The True Way Out," a coming-of-age memoir by Patrik Banga, and "Playing Wolf," a folk horror thriller by Zuzana Říhová. The program aims to develop dialogue between the film and publishing industries and create a more transparent environment for adaptation rights in the region.
The festival also highlights the diverse range of projects from Central and Eastern Europe. Ukraine will present two co-productions: "Screaming Girl" by Antonio Lukich and "Noah" by Marysia Nikitiuk. The Czech Republic is represented by Tomáš Hodan's comedy "The Stones Are Rolling to Prague" and Tomáš Pavlíček's Czech cottage culture comedy "A Few Branches Off." Romanian-Hungarian director Cristina Groșan will showcase her mob drama "Lesdenzero," while Polish director Olga Chajdas will present her female road movie "Tribe."
The festival's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and stories is evident in the selection of projects. The KVIFF Central Stage and Book-to-Screen programs provide a platform for established filmmakers and emerging literary works, fostering collaboration and creativity in the film industry. As the festival unfolds, it will undoubtedly offer a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences and insights into the vibrant film landscape of Central and Eastern Europe.
