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Maya Kinter’s Powerful Performance in ‘The Choirmaster’ Shines Light on Abuse ofโฃ Power
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Executive Director Kryลกtof Mucha and Artistic Director Karel Och have been instrumental in elevating the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) to its respected status. They recently shared insights into the festival’s evolution, leadership dynamics, and future aspirations.
When asked about the term “boomer,” Mucha humorously connected it to the interviewer’s show, joking about when they would be invited. Och, meanwhile, noted the term’s shifting meaning, acknowledging their generation’s inclusion. Mucha added I asked my sixteen -year -old son if I’m boomer. He looked at me, smiled, turned, and went to P*Dele. So obviously I’m.
Mucha‘s first experience was in 1996 with the Dlabaฤov Film Club, where he saw Trainspotting
, sparking his love for the festival. Och began in 2001 as a jury secretary, initially forbidden from watching films to focus on his duties. For both, balancing work with film viewing has been a challenge.
Och mentioned special screenings for the crew, highlighting a showing of the restored Blue Velvet
. Mucha confessed to never having watched an entire film at the festival due to his responsibilities. Och emphasized the difficulty of relaxing and concentrating while managing festival operations.
Mucha started as a guest service assistant in 1997, never expecting it to become a full-time career. Och initially faced resistance from his parents, who envisioned a more conventional legal career for him. However, their perception changed after seeing his enthusiasm and the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Mucha‘s interactions with Jiลรญ Bartoลกka began in 1998, intensifying after 2000. Och‘s connection developed later, around 2001-2002, through figures like Jan Hลebejk. Mucha recounted refusing offers from Bartoลกka to be on first-name terms, maintaining a professional boundary.
Och shared that Bartoลกka, while generally supportive, was not shy about expressing dissatisfaction with certain films, using colorful language. According to Variety, film festivals rely heavily on strong leadership to secure funding, attract talent, and maintain their cultural relevance.
The pandemic brought significant uncertainty, raising concerns about the festival’s future. Mucha noted that Jiลรญ Bartoลกka recognized the importance of the team, ensuring their involvement in discussions with potential stakeholders. We were afraid that Jiลรญ Bartoลกka would die from day to day
, said Mucha. And with his departure this year, we confirmed that it was extremely important to solve these things five years ago and clearly define what will follow.
Mucha recalled early meetings, including one with Ashok Amritraj, a producer of commercial films. Initial receptions were lukewarm, but the festival’s reputation has since grown, leading to more meaningful discussions with industry professionals.
The festival has maintained a policy of not paying appearance fees to stars, instead focusing on providing exceptional service. Och emphasized that many major stars choose to attend KVIFF to enjoy time with their families.
Mucha highlighted the unique atmosphere and attentive team that distinguish Karlovy Vary from other festivals. Jude Law reportedly found Cannes incomparable to Vary, citing the warmth and personal care provided by the festival team. Och added: A little later, you can see Jude Law holding Pilsen in one hand, Bohemian in the other and singing on the birthday of Jiลรญ Machรกฤek.
Mucha emphasized the experience and dedication of the festival team, many of whom return annually, considering Karlovy Vary a complete unity
. Och noted that decisions are primarily motivated by strengthening team coherence and maintaining a positive environment.
Och mentioned a distant family connection to Mucha. Mucha praised Och‘s extensive knowledge, while Och admired Mucha‘s resilience. Mucha added: Charles was a witness at my wedding and I was the godfather of his eldest son.
Och noted their deep understanding of each other, surpassing even that of their partners.
Mucha explained that the festival will no longer have a president, stating that Jiลรญ Bartoลกka‘s legacy is irreplaceable. He said the festival is well-established, with the role remaining with Jiลรญ Bartoลกka forever. We don’t need it, nor is there a reason
, stated Mucha.
Mucha credited Ivan Zachariรกลก with conceiving this year’s festival spot featuring Bolek Polรญvka. The original concept involved Jiลรญ Bartoลกka in a humorous scenario, but after his passing, Polรญvka was chosen to deliver a poignant tribute, given their 60-year friendship.
The Karlovy Vary IFF continues to evolve while honoring its past, solidifying its place as a prominent cultural event.
Actress Dakota Johnson Finds Fairytale in Karlovy Vary
Dakota Johnson described her experience at the 59th Karlovy Vary festival as a fairytale, charmed by the architecture and local culture while introducing two films. She also shared thoughts on her career, relationships, and the impact of social media.
Embracing Complex Characters
Though known for roles involving romantic love, Johnson is eager to explore darker characters. She stated, โI would love to play a psychopathโ and is open to action movies. She emphasized that roles must resonate with her, aligning with her creative vision.
โEven though I also made films such as Dark Daughter or Suspiria and they don't fit into it. But it is true that the two pictures I brought to Karlovy Vary are about love. I am very interested in love now. He can save people, awaken them in them. Of course there are the roles they eat about. I would love to play a psychopath. She made an action movie. I'm open to everything. It just has to meet properly, the universe must be inclined.โ
โDakota Johnson, Actress
Producing and Collaboration
As a producer with her company Teatime, Johnson values collaborative environments, avoiding toxic atmospheres on set. Johnson mentioned, “If it doesn’t work, the project won’t move anywhere. I no longer intend to vain time on the set with a toxic atmosphere or in projects that are not fun, fulfilling, or simply healthy.” She actively seeks to create healthy, cooperative sets where the best ideas win.
Dating and Relationships in the Digital Age
Johnson reflected on the complexities of modern dating, influenced by social media’s pressures. She questioned whether striving for a dream life online is worth sacrificing genuine connection: โSocial networks have caused us the need to lead a life that looks good on the Internet. But we are human beings, so it wouldn’t be better to live with the knowledge that someone really loves you?โ
โI talked to her a lot about her work. She said she felt that people often talk to her more honestly than with her family, friends or even their own therapist. So much they wanted to find their ideal. It was interesting how many Celin's clients dealt with the material aspects of the relationship. More than any emotional or mental fulfillment.โ
โDakota Johnson, Actress
According to Pew Research Center, about one-third of U.S. adults have used dating apps, highlighting their significant role in modern relationships.
A Friendship Remembered (Sort Of)
Discussing her co-star Pedro Pascal, Johnson humorously recounted their first meeting, recalling Pascal’s assertion that they’ve met numerous times, though she only vaguely remembers a possible encounter at an airport years ago. Despite the foggy details, she affirmed their close friendship.
Future Projects
Johnson also spoke about her directorial aspirations, planning a modest but heartfelt feature film with Vanessa Burghardt, an autistic actress who played her daughter in Cha Cha Real Smooth. Johnson feels protective of Burghardt and wants to ensure the film is made with care and authenticity.
Exploring the Female Perspective
As a producer and director, Johnson seeks visually and emotionally provocative stories, particularly those offering a nuanced female perspective. She champions complex, unconventional heroines. Johnson praised Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut as inspiring.
Literary Pursuits
Running a book club through Teatime, Johnson is currently reading Miranda July’s All Fours, despite her dog’s attempt to chew the cover. When asked about writing her own book, she expressed awe for writers, admitting she only keeps a diary filled with “total madness.”
A Career Retrospective
Reflecting on her 25-year career, Johnson fondly recalled her early experiences and gratitude for her journey. She marveled at the beauty of Karlovy Vary, describing it as “like Disneyland!” and appreciated the festival’s atmosphere of shared love for cinema.
Embracing the Festival Spirit
During her brief stay, Johnson tasted absinthe and enjoyed the city’s architecture, noting its fairytale-like quality. She cherishes film festivals as “a small bubble of love in a world full of chaos and pain,” emphasizing the hope that art brings to people.
Not every star shines on the red carpet. While some attendees of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival dazzle in designer gowns, others miss the mark. Let’s revisit some of the most memorable fashion missteps.
Last year, one dress in particular drew criticism: the gown worn by Dagmar Havlovรก. Although Slovak designer Alexandra Gnidiak created a beautiful piece, the complicated design did not flatter Havlovรก‘s figure. According to stylist Filip Vanek, the dress fitting was rushed, leading to last-minute adjustments and an unsuccessful fashion risk.
Others have struggled with their festival fashion choices in previous years. Kristรฝna Leichtovรก‘s contrasting black-and-white dress failed to impress, while Ornella Koktovรก‘s robe featured an upper portion that was strangely reminiscent of shoulder pads. Radka Tลeลกtรญkovรก faced scrutiny years ago for what was dubbed her โUbrusovouโ skirts
(tablecloth skirt) and later apologized for the fashion faux pas.
Red carpet fashion is constantly evolving. According to a recent report, sustainable fashion choices are becoming increasingly popular at film festivals, with designers focusing on eco-friendly materials and ethical production (Vogue Business 2024).
The opening of the soprano also failed for Lenka chart or the director Kristina Dufkovรก, which burned on inappropriate selection of a letter and shoes.
The international film community is mourning the loss of Jiลรญ Bartoลกka,the actor and president of the Karlovy Vary International film Festival,who died Thursday at the age of 78. His impact resonated far beyond the Czech Republic, with Hollywood recognizing his pivotal role in shaping one of Europe’s most respected film events.
Publications such as variety and The Hollywood Reporter have highlighted Mr. Bartoลกka’s instrumental role in revitalizing the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. He served as its president as 1994,a period of meaningful conversion for the event.
Bartoลกka has played a key role in the rescue of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. He has been his president as 1994. Together with the long -time artistic director Eva Zaoral, they transformed the second oldest film festival in Europe into a modern, internationally recognized show.
Variety
Under his leadership, alongside artistic director Eva Zaoral, the festival evolved into a globally recognized showcase for cinema.
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is the second oldest in Europe,established in 1946. Only the Venice Film Festival, founded in 1932, is older.
The Hollywood Reporter emphasized Mr. Bartoลกka’s close relationship with former Czech President Vรกclav Havel,noting its importance to the festival’s survival. The article recalls an instance in the 1990s:
havel refused to arrive at the festival (Golden Golem) in Prague, but he showed up on the opening evening in Karlovy Vary.
The Hollywood Reporter
This act of support was crucial.The Hollywood Reporter adds that two years later, the Golden Golem competition in Prague disappeared, and the Karlovy Vary festival entered a new, accomplished era.
Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, a guest at the Karlovy Vary festival last year, shared his condolences on X (formerly Twitter):
I just heard the sad news that the legend Jiลรญ Bartoลกka passed away today. President of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, I had the great honor to receive the award for Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema from his own hands. pic.twitter.com/60ILrOGDaK
โ Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 8, 2025
Mr. Crowe expressed gratitude for receiving the award for Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema from Mr. Bartoลกka.
Kryลกtof Mucha, the executive director of the Karlovy Vary Festival, told The Hollywood Reporter that Mr.Bartoลกka’s presence would be irreplaceable. he affirmed the commitment to continue the festival’s vision with artistic director Karel Och.
We will miss it. He was an incredibly exceptional person who treated everyone the same way – he spoke to the country’s president and the driver at the festival anyway – and he was a great friend.
Kryลกtof Mucha, Executive director, Karlovy Vary Festival
Mr. Mucha emphasized Mr. Bartoลกka’s exceptional character and his ability to connect with peopel from all walks of life.
Attending film festivals like Karlovy Vary offers unique opportunities to discover emerging talent and experience diverse cinematic perspectives. check out smaller, independent film festivals for hidden gems!