The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is gearing up for its 60th edition, set to take place from July 3-11. Among the exciting projects set to be pitched at the KVIFF Industry Days is a K-pop-themed series, a show called Burning Witches, and a feature film set in the semi-legal queer milieu of socialist Czechoslovakia. These six audiovisual works, selected from over 100 submitted projects, will receive development funding, mentoring from industry experts, and the opportunity to present their projects at a special event during the festival.
One of the most intriguing projects is Exposed, a feature fiction debut by director Klára Tasovská. Set against the backdrop of the semi-legal queer milieu of socialist Czechoslovakia, the mystery thriller unfolds over 24 hours in Prague during the 1980s era of normalization. Through the story of a young female photographer, the film explores a universal story of personal dilemma and the courage to stand up for one's own version of reality. Personally, I find this particularly fascinating because it offers a unique perspective on a historical period that is often overlooked in mainstream media.
Another notable project is Nera, the feature fiction debut of director Ivana Vogrinc Vidali and screenwriter Darja Miková. The film follows Tereza, a recent high school graduate whose life is upended by a relentless diagnosis that gradually robs her of her sight. Through her journey, the film explores the limits of a system that has trained Nera for absolute obedience and the suppression of instinct. In my opinion, this project has the potential to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in a society that often fails to accommodate their needs.
The final feature project is Until We Leave, the debut of screenwriter Lucia Čižinská, produced by Tereza Wiński. The film tells the story of four women in their 30s who travel to France to visit a close friend with a terminal illness. Their shared trip gradually turns into a confrontation with their own lives, relationships, and visions of the future. This intimate drama blends elements of tragicomedy and an observational road movie. What makes this particularly fascinating is the exploration of the complex emotions and relationships that arise in the face of mortality.
In the Creative Pool, dedicated to projects of any audiovisual format, two fiction series and one animated film will be presented this year. The Inhalatorium, the feature-length animation debut by director and animator Bára Anna Stejskalová, follows a 13-year-old girl who arrives at a mountain sanatorium to treat her asthma. When her friend disappears, and the staff refuses to speak of him, she sets out with others to find him. This project has the potential to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in a society that often fails to accommodate their needs.
The series project Burning Witches, written by Martina Babišová and Věra Starečková and produced by Dagmar Sedláčková, is set in the 17th century in the Bohemian-Polish borderlands. It follows noblewoman Katuše as she attempts to save her sister from being burned at the stake while also striving to emancipate those around her. From my perspective, this project offers a unique perspective on a historical period that is often overlooked in mainstream media.
The final project of this year's KVIFF Talents program is the series K-Dream by director Adam Sedlák and producers Linda Krejčí and Monika Soukup. It tells the story of Nikǒ, a European obsessed with K-pop. After failing to launch his career as a K-pop star, he returns to Europe to found the first K-pop idol academy in Berlin. The lead role will be played by Czech singer and actor Adam Mišík, who is also involved in the project as a co-screenwriter. What makes this particularly fascinating is the exploration of the global phenomenon of K-pop and its impact on the music industry.
In conclusion, the KVIFF Talents program offers a unique opportunity for emerging filmmakers to receive development funding, mentoring from industry experts, and the chance to present their projects at a special event during the festival. The six audiovisual works selected for this year's program offer a diverse range of themes and formats, from historical dramas to animated films and K-pop-themed series. As an expert in the field, I am excited to see how these projects develop and contribute to the rich tapestry of global cinema.
