Regular meetings have been organized with directors, actors, and other filmmakers who present their work as part of the festival program. During more than ten years of KVIFF Talks existence large number of filmmakers have shared their experiences with the audience; such as directors Todd Solondz, Michel Gondry, William Friedkin or Charlie Kaufman or actresses and actors such as Trine Dyrholm, Patricia Clarkson, Harvey Keitel, John Malkovich, Cassey Affleck and Michael Shannon or film editor Thelma Schoonmaker and music composer James Newton Howard.
The meetings are held in the Press Conference Hall, Vodafone Lounge or the Congress Hall of Thermal Hotel.
Unless indicated otherwise, the meetings take place in English, are not translated, and do not require a ticket or accreditation. KVIFF Talks from past editions of the festival could be found on KVIFF.TV.
KVIFF.TV Park, 02:00 PM - 02:40 PM
Director Jan Zajíček, based on an idea by Vladimir 518, has created a unique feature-length exploration of the pre-revolution architectural scene, showcasing bold, modern, and inspiring projects that thrived alongside the official, structured ones. The film Czechoslovak Architecture 58–89 is included in this year's program and will be screened in the Special Presentations section. Veronika Bednářová will lead a discussion with both creators about the background of this documentary.
The debate will be held in Czech without translation into English.
Congress Hall, 04:30 PM - 06:00 PM
This year’s 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival will play host to Oscar-winning director and producer Steven Soderbergh. His diverse film portfolio, which includes pivotal works like Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Traffic, Erin Brockovich, Ocean's Eleven, Solaris and the series The Knick, illustrates his unique approach to storytelling and pioneering use of the film medium. The internationally respected filmmaker will be in town to present two of his films, Kafka and Mr. Kneff, which are being shown as part of the festival’s Kafka retrospective, The Wish to Be a Red Indian: Kafka and Cinema.
The debate, which will offer a rare opportunity to delve into Soderbergh's filmography and his perspective on the world of films, will be led by British journalist Neil Young.
Making any audiovisual recording of the debate is strictly prohibited.
Congress Hall, 12:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Francine Maisler is one of the most renowned casting directors in the world, having worked on over 70 feature films and numerous television projects. She has received more than fifty nominations for the Artios Awards, presented by the Casting Society of America, and has won 15 of these awards. Her notable collaborations include working with Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two, Dune, Arrival, Sicario), Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life, Knight of Cups), Alejandro González Iñárritu (The Revenant, Birdman), and Luca Guadagnino (Chalengers, Bones and All). At the festival, she will personally present the latest film by Jeff Nichols, The Bikeriders, starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, and Tom Hardy.
In her master class, moderated by journalist Marta Balaga, she will introduce participants to the profession of casting direction and reflect on her incredibly rich career.
The master class will be held in English without translation, and entry is free without the need for tickets or accreditation.
Vodafone Lounge, Hotel Thermal, 02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Join us for a compelling discussion with Nicole Holofcener, a leading figure in American independent cinema during the 90s and 2000s. Holofcener has crafted seven feature films acclaimed for their observational comedy and nuanced social commentary, focusing on female characters. Her notable works like Please Give, Enough Said , and her latest, You Hurt My Feelings, are showcased as part of her tribute program at the festival. The debate, hosted by film theorist Joseph Fahim, provides a rare chance to delve into Holofcener's impactful filmography and her unique narrative style.
KVIFF.TV Park, 02:30 PM - 03:15 PM
Actor Ivan Trojan will receive the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival President's Award for his extraordinary contribution to Czech cinema at this year's closing ceremony. In celebration of his award, the film The Karamazovs will be featured at the festival, and a special performance of the monodrama "Žáby" will take place at the Karlovy Vary City Theatre as part of the accompanying program.
You can also meet this popular film, television, and theater actor and voice actor during a moderated discussion in KVIFF TV Park.
The discussion will be moderated by Trojan's longtime friend, writer, journalist, and editor-in-chief of the weekly magazine Respekt, Erik Tabery.
Lázně I (Imperial Spa) Main Stage, 01:00 PM - 02:15 PM
British actor Clive Owen, a recipient of a Golden Globe, a BAFTA award, and an Oscar nomination, will receive the President's Award at the closing ceremony of the 58th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Clive Owen is a versatile actor known for his compelling performances in both film and television. He gained recognition with his role in the film Croupier and further established his career with notable performances in Gosford Park, Children of Men, Closer, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, among others. On television, Owen has starred in critically acclaimed series such as The Knick, Impeachment: American Crime Story, and Monsieur Spade.
Owen will discuss his incredibly rich and varied career in a live session of The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast Awards Chatter with Scott Feinberg, one of Hollywood’s most widely read and respected awards columnists.
This event is sponsored by Lasvit, a Bohemian artisan and design house creating sublime artworks of glass.
First-hand brews throughout the year.
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