The Karlovy Vary Film Festival’s Industry Days program is set to take place from July 6 to 9, with an extended schedule that now spans an additional day. This year, the program has been revamped to focus more on Central European co-productions and has also expanded to include small-screen content and series development.
Kryštof Mucha, the executive director of Karlovy Vary, expressed excitement about the festival’s new direction, stating, “We believe that we have a unique opportunity to strengthen our position as the leading industry event dedicated to Central Europe, a region that also includes creative powerhouses like Poland, Germany, and Austria.”
One of the major innovations of this year’s program is the introduction of the Central Stage showcase, which will highlight 13 fiction films by established filmmakers from Central and Eastern European countries. This showcase will provide a platform for filmmakers to present their projects and engage in interactive talks about the co-production landscape in their respective countries.
In addition to the Central Stage showcase, the festival has also partnered with Central European Media Enterprises to include a dedicated program for small-screen content. This partnership will feature showcases, panels, workshops, and talks by industry experts on July 8 and 9.
A key highlight of the small-screen focus is the Pop Up Series Incubator showcase, a series development program designed to support European producers and scriptwriters. The program will provide hands-on development, expert mentorship, and financial support to selected projects, culminating in a pitching session during the festival.
Furthermore, the Works in Development program will showcase nine feature-length projects in development, as well as five projects from the Focus Queer program, highlighting diversity and inclusion in contemporary storytelling. These projects will compete for development awards and co-production opportunities.
The KVIFF Talents program, now in its third edition, will support talented Czech and Slovak filmmakers with funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Six projects have been selected for development, including three series and three feature films, which will be pitched to potential production partners during the festival.
Overall, the expanded Industry Days program at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival promises to be a dynamic and inclusive platform for filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals to engage with Central European cinema and small-screen content. With a focus on co-productions, series development, and diverse storytelling, the festival is poised to showcase the best of Central and Eastern European talent.
