European Films

The most important Eastern European festival, Karlovy Vary, has given the first details of its forthcoming 41st edition, which will take place from June 30 through July 8 in its namesake town in the Czech Republic. The news mainly centres on the Czech participation in the festival.

The premieres of two local films have been confirmed. Kráska v nesnázích (Beauty in Trouble) from popular director Jan Hrebejk (Horem Pádem/Up and Down) will be part of the Official Selection. The film stars recent San Sebastian Best Actress winner Anna Geislerová. Love story Indián a sestricka (The Indian and the Nurse), the feature debut of TV director Dan Wlodarczyk, will premiere in the East of the West section. 

Karlovy’s Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema will be awarded to local legend Jan Němec, whose autobiographic documentary Nocní hovory s matkou (Late Night Talks with Mother) won the top prize in Locarno in 2001. The filmmaker was one of the most prominent directors of the Czech New Wave until he was forced to spend time abroad as his films got him into trouble at home. He returned to the Czech Republic in 1989 and, though now in his sixties, continues to make films.

Last but not least, Czech actor Karel Roden, who now also has a Hollywood as a staple Eastern European baddie, will be part of this year’s jury.