Some say it’s all about the great movies! Others mention the picturesque spa town. Some simply love the bohemian hospitality, food and drink. Others mention the summer party atmosphere in the air. So, what makes Karlovy Vary and the Czech city’s annual film festival so special? Most people would probably agree that it is a combination of all of the above.
As has become a tradition for many, film industry people, movie buffs and people simply looking to have a good time get ready to head to the first big festival of the summer. After all, the 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is waiting for you. This year, the Czech festival takes place from July 3 to 11.
Few people know the place like Karlovy Vary’s mayor Andrea Viver Verklová.
I assume your work in various fields keeps you very busy. How many movies were you able to watch during KVIFF? Are there any favorite things you like to do during the festival?
There are not many movies. After all, during part of the festival, there are still working days. As their mayor and regional council member, I have to attend their body meetings, our press conferences, or perhaps act as a wedding officiant for an engaged couple. I’m happy if I can watch four or five films. I definitely always look forward to the opening and closing films.
Have there been any films in recent years that have particularly inspired or impressed you? Are there any films you hope to see this year?
Last year I was interested Splitsville With Dakota Johnson. In 2021, I remember the tension I felt when the festival was held at the end of the summer to “fit” between two periods of harsh coronavirus restrictions – and here I liked Philip Barantini’s film boiling point.
Of the films announced this year, this one attracted me the most [Michele Fiascaris’] Rain catcher [in the Proxima competition] The new film by Czech director Mr. [Miroslav] Crobot and Mr. [Lubomír] samkal, Report on Minerva 2 [in the Special Screenings program]. I would definitely like to see Jesse Eisenberg Dual And Maggie Gyllenhaal Bride!
How important is the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival for KV as a cultural venue?
Karlovy Vary is the promised city of films, although there are no film studios here at all. But perhaps the first film in the Czech Republic was shown here, at the Spa House, which today is called the Spa Hotel Windsor. It happened by chance exactly 130 years ago, on July 14, 1896.
Later films were also filmed here, and after the war came the festival. I think the reason why people decided to organize it in our spa area at that time was because of the infrastructure and facilities for visitors that Mariánské Lázne and Karlovy Vary had at that time. also [beneficial was] Their world-famous reputation and also the fact that their centers were not damaged by the recently ended World War II. We’re also celebrating a big anniversary here this year: the first year of the festival was held 80 years ago.
Has the city estimated how much economic benefit KVIFF brings to the city each year?
As for the economic benefit to the city, we are definitely focusing on that. The city supports the festival financially, so they want to know if it makes sense. And of course, if we contributed about half a million dollars to the festival last year, the organizers themselves spent $5 million in the city, other festival partners spent $2 million, and visitors spent $20 million. Consequently, an additional $27 million was spent in the city during the 10 days of the festival.
The stars sincerely love the festival and attend it. What do you think is the secret to the success of KVIFF and KV?
It’s definitely the place – spa towns were built for beauty from the beginning, in harmony with the nature of the surrounding parks and forests. Karlovy Vary is also just the right size; The city centre, where the festival takes place, is a narrow, picturesque valley where people simply have to meet.
Another peculiarity of the Karlovy Vary Festival is that it is still visited by thousands of film lovers, and not just professionals, such as filmmakers, producers and journalists. This then leads to almost unbelievable situations when you run into Woody Harrelson in the park, or John Travolta or Uma Thurman takes a selfie with you in the background.
Karlovy Vary is simply large enough to host such an international event, but small enough that people cannot pass each other. It has a safe and friendly atmosphere, and despite its centuries-old history, it feels young and open. Thus, a student with a backpack and sleeping in a camp can come here, and a legend of world cinema can stay in the best hotel.
You must have met many Hollywood movie stars and directors over the years. Which ones are special to you? How was the experience of meeting them?
Since recent years, I fondly remember meeting Russell Crowe, who also appeared here as a musician, or Michael Douglas, or Julianne Moore, who also won the admiration of crowds of fans. Even though they are big international stars, when we met them in person, they were very nice and friendly people.
Does KV attract film and TV shoots? Are there any famous examples you remember?
Of course, thanks to the environment, filming has been taking place here since the 1920s. Before 1989, it was difficult for foreign films, as Czechoslovakia was separated from the Western world by the Iron Curtain. But then the filmmakers came back. I remember, for example, filming Shanghai Knights, Casino Royale, Last vacation or Not in en rose.
What type of movies and television do you and your family enjoy in your free time?
I love movies that leave a mark, an impression and an emotion on me. I’m not a good viewer of art films. I understand what the authors want to say with them, but I don’t really enjoy watching that journey. I’m not against films that contain some action or tension, nor those that contain a little humor and humour.
Is there anything else you would like to highlight about KVIFF, your work as mayor, or your previous work at Grandhotel Pupp?
Whether you are the mayor or the former manager of the Grandhotel Pupp, during the film festival one realizes more than ever what an honor it is to live and work in a beautiful and cosmopolitan city. I feel great pride and at the same time a great commitment not to disappoint high expectations.
As manager of the most famous hotel in Karlovy Vary, it was very important to me that the city was an attractive destination for guests, and this is one of my priorities as mayor. Because tourism is the main driving force of the economy and the essence of Karlovy Vary.
