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The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is beginning.

02.07.2014

Included in the category: News | author: Redakce

The most significant event of Karlovy Vary, the 49th International Film Festival, begins this Friday already. From 4 July to 12 July, Karlovy Vary will immerse itself into the festive atmosphere of the IFF. The main centre of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival will be Hotel Thermal, and accompanying events will take place all around Karlovy Vary.

Films from around the world are competing at the Karlovy Vary IFF in several categories; films are judged by a jury of experts, as well as by the audience itself. Thus, the Karlovy Vary IFF is unique in its category for being one of the few festivals open to the non-professional public. The best film is awarded the Crystal Globe at the final closing ceremony. Awards are also given for Best Director, Best Actress and Best Actor, and many more. Each year, many famous celebrities walk down the red carpet.

The biggest cinematic celebrity of this year’s festival in Karlovy Vary will be Australian-American actor and director Mel Gibson, who will accept the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema. Mel Gibson will be the guest of the opening ceremonies and will also personally introduce the special presentation of the film Apocalypto. On Friday, 4 July, at 11:00 p.m., the cult film Mad Max with Mel Gibson in the starring role will be played at the Open-Air Cinema.

Other significant foreign personas will visit the Film Festival, such as director William Friedkin, the former Polish president Lech Walesa, actress Fanny Ardant and Lynch’s recurring actress, Laura Dern; festival matador Franco Nero, also known as Django, will also come to Karlovy Vary.

The 49th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival will be launched by Michael Pitt. The introductory film of the 49th IFF KV will be the American piece I Origins. The international premiere of this film, which earned awards at Sundance, will be personally introduced by the actor playing the starring role, Michael Pitt, by director Mike Cahill and by actress Astrid Bergès-Frisbey. At the final closing ceremony, which will take place outside of the Grand Hall of Hotel Thermal for the first time, the audience hit of this year’s Cannes Festival, the Argentinian dark comedy Wild Tales produced by the Almodóvar brothers, will be projected.

A guide to all chosen films of this year’s festival, as well as the cinema programme, can be found at www.kviff.com.

The festival offers its guests several ways of purchasing film tickets. The main box offices are located in front of Hotel Thermal and two box offices are located outside of Grandhotel Pupp. Overall, there are 16 box offices available.

A part of the festival are accompanying events, taking place all around Karlovy Vary. Here are some of them.

Vodafone Beach

Take a break from the cinema auditoriums and experience the peace and entertainment of beach bars and beach sports at Vodafone Beach, located in front of the Hot Spring Colonnade. Beach bars, beach seating, and beach sports are available at Vodafone Beach every day from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Reflex Selfies Point

Reflex Selfies Point is a place where the festival celebrities come each day to selfies. You can take a picture with a star every day at 4:00 p.m. on the 1st floor of Hotel Thermal, near the Radio 1 Lounge.

Czech Television House

The Czech Television House – The Place Where Films Belong. Every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Theatre Square, you can watch news all about new films, documentaries, and TV series. The Czech Television House in not only the place where films belong, but it is also a place full of news, workshops, and interactive meetings with actors and authors. As the largest co-producer of Czech films, Czech Television has aided in the filming of many great pieces. Do not miss them!

Aeroport

This year, the majestic Goethe’s Lookout is again the place where the Aeroport Club will open its doors. Open from 8:00 p.m. until the late night hours. A musical programme beginning at 10:00 p.m. is prepared for each evening.

Cirk La Putyka Late Night Show

In co-operation with the Karlovy Vary Municipal Theatre, the Karlovy Vary Film Festival will present this original accompanying event, the theatrical "Late Night Show" of Cirk La Putyka.
As a part of the 49th IFF Karlovy Vary, the popular and internationally renowned theatrical group Cirk La Putyka will perform their newest piece, Dolls. The performance will begin after the film programme ends – on Saturday, 5 July at 11:45 p.m., on Monday, 7 July at 11:30 p.m., on Thursday, 10 July at 11:30 p.m. and on Friday, 11 July at 12:00 a.m. This is one of the few chances to see Dolls in the Czech Republic, as the group spends most of its time abroad on tour.

Festival Bike Rental

This year, the Specialized Bike Rental will again be available between Hotel Thermal, Grandhotel Pupp, and the festival campsite. The first hour is free. Take advantage of the best form of transport at the film festival.

Douglas Beauty Studio

The Douglas Perfumery will offer makeovers by professional make-up artists all throughout the film festival. The Douglas national make-up artist Filip Novák has created two special festival looks (one for the day, one for the evening), which shall be presented and created at the Douglas Beauty Studio, located in the lobby of Hotel Thermal. Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tea at Three

Tea at Three – regular discussions with Czech filmmakers over a cup of tea, daily from 3:00 p.m. on Theatre Square in the Czech Television House.

Other events worth visiting are the RWE Stand, Allianz Point, BMW Zone – offering test drives of BMW vehicles, the telephone booths playing stories, and the Open-Air Theatre under the Bridge by the Karlovy Vary Music Theatre, offering children’s performances from 4:00 p.m. and concerts from 8:00 p.m.

And you can also take part in contests. Air France, the official carrier of the 49^th IFF Karlovy Vary, has prepared a contest for two round-trip tickets to Paris and other valuable prizes for the visitors of the festival.

Enjoy your cup of fame with NESPRESSO coffee and win. Capture your moment of fame with NESPRESSO coffee directly at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. The selfie that garners the most fame can win luxurious prizes in the finale. Registration >>

Where to find evening entertainment?

Finlandia Bar Less Ordinary – every day from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m. next to Hotel Thermal. Offers entertainment, inspiration, and unconventional experiences.

Grand Café Septime - Live radio broadcasts with interesting guests every day directly from this bar in Dvořák Park.

Billiard Klub Karlovy Vary – a professional billiards club open to the general public. A wide spectrum of billiards games, such as snooker, carambole, and Russian pyramid. Daily from 12:00 p.m.to 9:00 p.m. Libuše Street 1155/14, Hotel Imperial.

Café and Club CRUX – open every day from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m., T. G. Masaryk Street 623/12. The programme with live music and dramatic evenings starts at 7:00 p.m.

Cafe Music Bar ZigZag – breakfast and evening music programmes, Mon.-Fri. 8.00 a.m. – 03.00 a.m., Sat. – Sun. 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m., Dr. David Becher Street 151/24.

Slash Bar – metal/hardcore afterparty, lasting until the morning hours, S. K. Neumann Street 345.

Practical Information before your visit to the film festival >>

Accommodation at the IFF >>

Photograph source: Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary