Karlovy Vary Festival Leaders Reflect on Success, Challenges

Executive Director Kryštof 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.

Defining “Boomer”

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.

Early Memories of Karlovy Vary

Mucha‘s first experience was in 1996 with the Dlabačov 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.

Navigating Film Screenings Amidst Festival Duties

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.

Parental Reactions and Career Paths

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.

Relationships with Key Figures

Mucha‘s interactions with Jiří Bartoška began in 1998, intensifying after 2000. Och‘s connection developed later, around 2001-2002, through figures like Jan Hřebejk. Mucha recounted refusing offers from Bartoška to be on first-name terms, maintaining a professional boundary.

Jiří Bartoška‘s Direct Feedback

Och shared that Bartoška, 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.

Succession Concerns and COVID-19 Challenges

The pandemic brought significant uncertainty, raising concerns about the festival’s future. Mucha noted that Jiří Bartoška recognized the importance of the team, ensuring their involvement in discussions with potential stakeholders. We were afraid that Jiří Bartoška 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.

Early Encounters in Hollywood

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 “No Pay for Stars” Rule

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.

Karlovy Vary’s Unique Star Treatment

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 Jiří Macháček.

Team Unity and Decision-Making

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.

Mutual Admiration

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.

A President No More

Mucha explained that the festival will no longer have a president, stating that Jiří Bartoška‘s legacy is irreplaceable. He said the festival is well-established, with the role remaining with Jiří Bartoška forever. We don’t need it, nor is there a reason, stated Mucha.

Remembering Jiří Bartoška

Mucha credited Ivan Zachariáš with conceiving this year’s festival spot featuring Bolek Polívka. The original concept involved Jiří Bartoška in a humorous scenario, but after his passing, Polívka 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.