Karlovy Vary International Film Festival – Czech Republic 2026
Background & History
- Origins and Founding: The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), established in 1946, is one of the oldest film festivals globally, initially launched as a non-competitive event in Mariánské Lázně and Karlovy Vary to showcase the nationalized Czechoslovak film industry. It became a competitive festival in 1948, with the Crystal Globe as its Grand Prize, and moved permanently to Karlovy Vary in 1950. By 1956, it earned Category A status from FIAPF, aligning it with prestigious festivals like Cannes, Berlin, and Venice.
- Evolution and Growth: For 40 years, KVIFF operated under socialist Czechoslovakia’s political constraints, alternating with the Moscow IFF until 1994. That year, Czech actor Jiří Bartoška and film journalist Eva Zaoralová revitalized the festival, transforming it into a globally respected event. Bartoška served as president until his death in May 2025, and Zaoralová as artistic director until 2011, later advising until 2022. Their leadership, now continued by executive director Kryštof Mucha, restored KVIFF’s prestige, attracting 140,000 attendees and 1,300 industry professionals annually.
- Cultural Significance: As Central and Eastern Europe’s premier film festival, KVIFF bridges Eastern and Western cinema, presenting ~200 films yearly, with over a third as world or European premieres. It fosters a unique, informal atmosphere, blending high-profile premieres with accessible public engagement, earning accolades like the Czech Lion and Medal of Merit for Bartoška and Zaoralová.
- Programmatic Pillars: The festival emphasizes feature films (Crystal Globe and Proxima Competitions), documentaries, Czech cinema, and retrospectives. Its KVIFF Eastern Promises Industry Days supports emerging filmmakers from Central/Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and beyond, with programs like Works in Progress and First Cut+.
- Community Engagement: KVIFF is inclusive, offering free festival buses, bike rentals, and family-friendly events like KVIFF.TV Park’s quizzes, workshops, and performances. It supports young talent through Future Frames and promotes Czech cinema with screenings like The Actress (2024).
- Sustainability and Innovation: The festival uses eco-friendly practices, such as digital Festival Pass+ and sustainable venues like Hotel Thermal. Its trailers, crafted by directors like Ivan Zachariáš, are cinematic micro-stories featuring award recipients, enhancing its artistic identity.
- Awards and Recognition: KVIFF’s Crystal Globe ($25,000) and Proxima Grand Prix ($15,000) are prestigious, with past winners like Better Go Mad in the Wild (2025). It honors global cinema icons with the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema, awarded to figures like Michael Douglas and Stellan Skarsgård.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances:
- Crystal Globe Competition: Features 12–15 feature films (fiction/documentary, >60 minutes) as world or international premieres, judged by an international jury. 2025 winners included Better Go Mad in the Wild (Miro Remo).
- Proxima Competition: Showcases innovative films by emerging and established directors, with 2025’s Grand Prix awarded to Sand City (Mahde Hasan).
- Documentary Competition: Highlights world-premiere documentaries (>60 minutes), emphasizing artistic and independent works.
- Future Frames: Spotlights 10 short films by young European directors, fostering new talent.
- Special Screenings and Retrospectives: Includes restored classics (e.g., One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, 2025) and tributes (e.g., John Garfield, 2025).
- Afterhours: Late-night genre films, including horror like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2025 restored version).
- KVIFF Eastern Promises Industry Days: Features Works in Progress, Works in Development, and First Cut+, with awards like the Eurimages Co-production Development Award (€20,000).
- KVIFF.TV Park: Offers public events like filmmaker talks, quizzes, concerts, and kids’ workshops at Hotel Thermal.
- Special Traditions or Features:
- Opening ceremony at Hotel Thermal’s Grand Hall, streamed on KVIFF.TV, featuring premieres like We’ve Got to Frame It! (2025, tribute to Jiří Bartoška).
- Closing ceremony with Crystal Globe and non-statutory awards (e.g., FIPRESCI, Ecumenical Jury), broadcast on ČT1.
- Unique festival trailers, micro-stories featuring award laureates (e.g., Jude Law, Helen Mirren), randomly screened for audience engagement.
- Annual tribute to Czech cinema, with 2025 honoring editor Jiří Brožek and actors like Ivan Trojan.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors:
- Meet stars like Michael Douglas, Dakota Johnson, or Stellan Skarsgård at red-carpet events or KVIFF Talks.
- Explore Karlovy Vary’s spa town charm, including healing springs and Grandhotel Pupp’s historic elegance.
- Networking at Filmmakers Lounge, open to accredited guests, with Czech audiovisual presentations.
- Free festival buses (F1–F3) and bike rentals for easy venue access.
Date & Duration
- Dates: July 3–11, 2026 (60th edition, confirmed via festival sources).
- Duration: 9 days, covering 465+ screenings across 14 venues, with industry events, ceremonies, and public activities.
Venue / Location
- City: Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, a UNESCO-listed spa town in West Bohemia, known for its mineral springs, colonnades, and historic architecture.
- Main Venues:
- Hotel Thermal: I. P. Pavlova 2001/11, 360 01 Karlovy Vary. Central hub for screenings, opening/closing ceremonies, and KVIFF.TV Park.
- Grandhotel Pupp: Mírové náměstí 2, 360 01 Karlovy Vary. Hosts screenings, industry events, and red-carpet galas.
- Drahomíra Cinema: Vřídelní 61/3, 360 01 Karlovy Vary. Key venue for feature films and Czech screenings.
- Karlovy Vary Theatre: Divadelní náměstí 21, 360 01 Karlovy Vary. Screens films like The Actress (2024).
- Cinema B, Čas Cinema, and others: Across 14 venues, including smaller theaters and open-air setups, hosting ~150 feature films and 44 shorts.
- Notable Areas:
- KVIFF.TV Park at Hotel Thermal: Public space for talks, music, and kids’ events.
- Filmmakers Lounge: Between Hotel Thermal and KVIFF.TV Park, for industry networking (open July 5–11, 10:00–20:00).
- Pedestrian Zone: Near Colonnade, with restricted car access; use festival buses or bikes.
- Google Maps Address: Hotel Thermal, I. P. Pavlova 2001/11, 360 01 Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic (main festival hub).
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold:
- Online via kviff.com or Vodafone KVIFF Guide app (reservations open June 2026).
- On-site at box offices: Hotel Thermal, Drahomíra Cinema, and other venues (open July 3–11, 2026).
- Festival Pass+ (digital) available presale; physical Festival Pass at box offices.
- Admission Type:
- Free for KVIFF.TV Park events, some open-air screenings, and festival bus/bike services.
- Paid for cinema screenings, industry accreditations, and reserved seating.
- Ticket Pricing (USD, converted at 1 USD ≈ 22 CZK):
- Minimum Price: $0 USD for free events (e.g., KVIFF.TV Park, select screenings).
- Maximum Price: ~$113 USD (Festival Pass+, entire festival, CZK 2,490).
- Individual Tickets: ~$5–$10 USD (CZK 110–220) per screening, available at box offices.
- Festival Pass (Physical):
- 1-day: ~$22 USD (CZK 480), Discounted: ~$19 USD (CZK 420).
- 3-day: ~$49 USD (CZK 1,080), Discounted: ~$41 USD (CZK 900).
- 5-day: ~$73 USD (CZK 1,600), Discounted: ~$61 USD (CZK 1,350).
- Entire festival: ~$100 USD (CZK 2,190), Discounted: ~$90 USD (CZK 1,970).
- Festival Pass+ (Digital):
- Entire festival: ~$113 USD (CZK 2,490), Discounted: ~$104 USD (CZK 2,290).
- Discounts for students, seniors (65+), and disability card holders (ZTP). Includes up to 3 free tickets/day, KVIFF Talks access, and 10% off at Hotel Thermal restaurant.
- Special Seating or VIP Options:
- Reserved seating via Festival Pass/Pass+; book via app or box office; seats released 5 minutes before screenings if unclaimed.
- Industry accreditations (~$50–$100 USD) offer priority press conference access and Filmmakers Lounge entry.
- First-come, first-served entry without tickets 5 minutes before screenings, subject to availability.
- Accessibility: Contact festival@kviff.com for wheelchair seating or accommodations.
Contact Information
- Email: festival@kviff.com (general); info@kviff.com (tickets/industry); press@kviff.com (press).
- Phone: +420 221 411 011 (general); +420 221 411 022 (box office).
- Website: https://www.kviff.com
- Social Media: @KVIFFest (Facebook, 80.5K likes); @kviff (Instagram, 25K followers); @KVIFF (Twitter/X).
- Key Staff:
- Kryštof Mucha (Executive Director)
- Karel Och (Artistic Director)
- Eva Zaoralová (Artistic Advisor, In Memoriam, d. 2022)
- Jiří Bartoška (President, In Memoriam, d. 2025)
- Press/Volunteers: Press inquiries to press@kviff.com; volunteer applications via kviff.com (open spring 2026, roles include guest services, logistics).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English/Czech support; accessibility via info@kviff.com.
Cultural Experience
- Traditions:
- Since 1946, KVIFF has celebrated global cinema in Karlovy Vary’s spa town, blending Czech cultural heritage with international stardom.
- Red-carpet ceremonies at Hotel Thermal and Grandhotel Pupp, attended by stars like Robert De Niro and Dakota Johnson, create a glamorous yet accessible vibe.
- Annual trailers, cinematic micro-stories featuring awardees, screened randomly to engage audiences.
- Music and Performances:
- KVIFF.TV Park hosts live music, DJs, and quizzes, complementing screenings with a festive atmosphere.
- Industry talks and workshops feature directors, actors, and producers, like 2025’s Michael Douglas presenting One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.
- Costumes:
- Red-carpet events encourage formal attire; attendees often wear elegant or film-inspired outfits, reflecting the festival’s blend of glamour and cinephile passion.
- Casual spa-town attire (smart-casual) suits daytime screenings and KVIFF.TV Park events.
- Local Customs:
- Respect for Karlovy Vary’s spa heritage; visitors often explore springs or colonnades between screenings.
- Friendly, inclusive vibe; locals and tourists mingle at public events, with English widely spoken.
- Tipping (~5–10%) expected at restaurants; festival venues emphasize punctuality for screenings.
Food & Drinks
- Must-Try Specialties:
- Svíčková: Braised beef with cream sauce and dumplings (~$10–$15 USD), served at restaurants like Hotel Thermal.
- Vepřo Knedlo Zelo: Roast pork, dumplings, and sauerkraut (~$8–$12 USD), a Czech classic.
- Pilsner Urquell: Iconic Czech beer (~$2–$4 USD), brewed nearby in Pilsen.
- Becherovka: Herbal liqueur from Karlovy Vary (~$3–$5 USD/shot), often served at festival venues.
- Trdelník: Sweet pastry cone with fillings (~$3–$6 USD), popular at street stalls.
- Spa Wafers (Lázeňské Oplatky): Thin, sweet wafers, a local treat (~$2–$4 USD).
- Event-Specific Offerings:
- KVIFF.TV Park food stalls: Czech sausages, vegan options, and local beers (~$3–$10 USD).
- Grandhotel Pupp’s restaurants offer festival menus with Czech and international dishes (~$15–$30 USD).
- Hotel Thermal’s main restaurant provides 10% off for Festival Pass holders (~$10–$20 USD/meal).
- Eco-friendly focus: Reusable cups and local sourcing at festival venues.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports:
- Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), 120 km, ~1.5-hour drive or bus (~$10–$20 USD via RegioJet).
- Karlovy Vary Airport (KLV), 6 km, limited flights, ~15-min taxi (~$10 USD).
- Public Transport:
- Bus: RegioJet or FlixBus from Prague to Karlovy Vary (~1.5 hours, ~$10–$15 USD); 15-min walk from bus station to Hotel Thermal.
- Train: Czech Railways (ČD) from Prague (~2.5 hours, ~$12–$25 USD); station 15-min walk to venues. Check idos.idnes.cz.
- Festival Buses: Free F1–F3 lines connect venues (e.g., Hotel Thermal, Grandhotel Pupp, Tent Town); run 8:00–23:00.
- Local Buses: Karlovy Vary Transport Company, day pass ~$2 USD via Vary Virtual app.
- Bikes: Free Specialized bike rentals for Festival Pass holders at Pupp, Thermal, or Tent Town (1st hour free, then ~$4.50 USD/hour).
- Parking:
- Limited in pedestrian zone; use Car Park Market, Warsaw Street, or Jan Palach Riverbank (~$5–$15 USD/day). Book via Vary Virtual app.
- Grandhotel Pupp: Libušina Street Parking House (~$10–$20 USD/day).
- Taxis/Rideshare: KV Taxi (+420 777 14 14 13), SPO Green Taxi (+420 730 899 889), or PP-Taxi (+420 702 898 418); ~$5–$15 USD in town.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels:
- Grandhotel Pupp: Mírové náměstí 2, ~$200–$500 USD/night, historic 5-star with festival screenings and galas.
- Hotel Thermal: I. P. Pavlova 2001/11, ~$150–$300 USD/night, festival hub with spa and dining.
- Mid-Range Hotels:
- Hotel Romance: Tržiště 37, ~$80–$150 USD/night, central near Colonnade, festival packages available.
- Hotel Boston: Luční vrch 9, ~$70–$120 USD/night, cozy, walkable to venues.
- Budget Options:
- Tent Town-Rolava: Festival campsite, ~$10–$20 USD/night, with shuttle buses, ideal for youth.
- Lidice Youth Hostel: Východní 1339/44, ~$20–$40 USD/night, budget-friendly near festival bus stops.
- Airbnb: Apartments in spa district, ~$40–$100 USD/night, with kitchens, book early.
- Unique Options:
- Hotel Imperial: Libušina 18, ~$120–$250 USD/night, historic spa hotel with panoramic views.
- Carlsbad Plaza: Mariánskolázeňská 23, ~$150–$300 USD/night, luxury with wellness center, near industry events.
- Booking Tips:
- Book 6–12 months ahead via kviff.com, Booking.com, or Accommodation at KVIFF Facebook page for deals.
- Last-minute rooms (up to 50% off) available from June 30, 2026, via kviff.com; check daily updates.
- Festival Pass holders get regional discounts; contact info@kviff.com for accessibility needs.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2026?
A 9-day A-list festival (July 3–11, 2026) in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, showcasing ~200 films, including premieres, competitions, and industry events, attracting 140,000 attendees.
Where and when is KVIFF 2026 held?
In Karlovy Vary, across 14 venues like Hotel Thermal and Grandhotel Pupp, from July 3–11, 2026. Main hub: I. P. Pavlova 2001/11.
How much are tickets for KVIFF 2026?
Free for KVIFF.TV Park and some screenings; individual tickets ~$5–$10 USD; Festival Pass ~$22–$100 USD; Festival Pass+ ~$104–$113 USD. Buy via kviff.com from June 2026.
What makes KVIFF unique?
Central Europe’s top film festival, blending global premieres, Czech cinema, and a relaxed spa-town vibe with stars, free transport, and innovative trailers.
How do I get to KVIFF venues?
Fly to Prague (PRG, ~1.5-hour bus, ~$10–$20 USD), use free festival buses (F1–F3), bikes, or local taxis (~$5–$15 USD). Parking ~$5–$15 USD/day.