“I was in Karlovy Vary for the first time in 1967 I believe, and the atmosphere prevailing then was optimistic. When I came back in 1970, the mood had changed considerably. I was all the more pleased that the festival then awarded us the main prize for the film Kes, which we filmed in August 1968 whilst listening to news of tanks in Prague,” reminisces important British director Ken Loach.
On Monday, he received the Crystal Globe in Karlovy Vary again, this time for his extraordinary contribution to world cinematography, along with his long-time screenwriter Paul Laverty. Thanks to Loach’s love of the Czechoslovak New Wave, even Laverty acquired a personal connection to our films. “When I met Ken, he told me to watch Closely Observed Trains. So, thanks to him, I discovered the film,” said Laverty before the screening of Sweet Sixteen, a film which takes place in Glasgow. The screenwriter hails from the same Scottish city, which his accent gives away. “Sometimes I ask myself how many sentences has Ken actually understood from me in the last twenty years. Maybe that’s why we’ve been able to work together so long,” joked Laverty.
Loach praised the decision by the Karlovy Vary festival to award both artists. “Film is about cooperation. We always achieve the best things as a team,” said the director, adding that he would like his films to reflect the ideas of solidarity and mutual support.
