Just like in many parts of life, making a film is a team effort. And so is putting together the lineup of a big film festival, a complex undertaking that requires diverse perspectives, extensive knowledge, and unwavering dedication. This collaborative spirit is central to the ethos of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), one of the world’s most distinguished cinematic events. As KVIFF gears up for its landmark 60th edition, celebrated in the 80th year of its existence, the intricate process of film selection falls to a dedicated team led by Artistic Director Karel Och, who firmly believes in the power of collective discernment.
The Visionary Leadership: Karel Och’s Philosophy of Collaboration
Karel Och, a seasoned veteran in the world of international film festivals, eschews singular attribution for the festival’s programming successes. "I don’t think I’ve ever used a singular whenever I talk about the selection, because I would be ashamed to use the singular, because clearly, from day one until the moment we share the movies with the audience, this is teamwork," he shared with The Hollywood Reporter. This philosophy underscores a core principle: the strength of a film festival lies not in a single curatorial vision, but in the synergy of many. Och further elaborates on the dynamic within his team, describing it as "full of strong individuals," a characteristic he considers a blessing. This intellectual and emotional diversity fosters "amazing discussions," where colleagues learn from each other’s insights and emotional responses to cinematic works. Such vibrant exchanges often lead to a refinement of programming choices, with Och himself acknowledging that he is sometimes convinced by colleagues’ suggestions, which ultimately enhance the festival’s program. This open-minded approach is also reflected in the team’s age spectrum, ranging from Och, 52, to its youngest member, not yet 30, proving that a blend of experience and fresh perspectives works "perfectly."
A Legacy of Excellence: KVIFF’s Enduring History and Significance
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, held annually in the picturesque spa town of Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, holds a venerable place in the global film calendar. Established in 1946, it is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious film festivals, recognized by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF) as a competitive A-list festival. This designation places KVIFF alongside cinematic giants like Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, signifying its stature as a platform for world premieres and significant international recognition. The festival’s "double anniversary" this year — its 60th edition in its 80th year — highlights a unique historical trajectory. While the festival first launched in 1946, its official numbering of editions began post-World War II, marking a continuous, albeit sometimes politically influenced, run that has solidified its reputation as a vital cultural institution in Central Europe and beyond. Over decades, KVIFF has been a crucible for cinematic innovation, showcasing films from diverse regions and introducing both established masters and nascent talents to an eager international audience. Its commitment to artistic independence, particularly during the Cold War era, and its post-1989 resurgence as a vibrant hub for world cinema, underscore its resilience and enduring relevance.
The Art of Curation: A Global Endeavor and its Challenges
The task of curating a program for a festival of KVIFF’s caliber is a monumental undertaking, demanding meticulous attention to detail and a profound understanding of global cinematic trends. For the upcoming double anniversary edition, Och and his programming team have embarked on an exhaustive worldwide search, sifting through thousands of submissions and attending countless other festivals to identify new cinematic masterpieces. This global scope ensures a rich tapestry of films, encompassing everything from the latest works by acclaimed filmmakers to groundbreaking debut features from emerging voices. The programming team’s role extends beyond mere selection; it involves extensive research, critical analysis, and often, intricate negotiations to secure films for screening. They are not merely choosing movies; they are shaping a narrative for the festival, identifying themes, curating sections, and ultimately, presenting a coherent and impactful artistic statement to the audience. This process is a year-round commitment, far removed from the festive atmosphere of the ten-day event itself.
Expanding Horizons: Internationalization of the Team
In a significant move to further broaden its international perspective, KVIFF added Italian programmer Lorenzo Esposito to its core team last year, marking a historic first for the festival. "I’m very happy to say that in the history of Karlovy Vary, which is now 80 years old, this is the first time we have a foreign collaborator who is more than a programming consultant," Och proudly stated. While KVIFF has historically utilized international consultants, Esposito’s role as a full-time, foreign-language-speaking member of the programming committee signifies a deeper integration and a more diverse internal dynamic. This move underscores KVIFF’s commitment to embracing truly global perspectives at the very heart of its selection process. The practical implication of this integration is that English has become the primary language for internal discussions within the seven-member programming team, even though six of them are Czech. Och views this as a "gift," as it compels the Czech members to articulate their thoughts and feelings about films in English, fostering new ways of expressing nuanced critical opinions and enhancing thoroughness in their evaluations. This linguistic challenge ultimately contributes to a more robust and universally understood selection process.
Meet the Architects of Cinema Magic: The KVIFF Programming Team
The successful execution of KVIFF’s ambitious programming vision rests firmly on the shoulders of its dedicated team, each member bringing unique expertise and a passion for cinema.
Anna Kořínek: Championing Emerging Voices and Challenged Cinemas
Anna Kořínek, Program Coordinator and a member of the selection committee since 2016, began her journey with KVIFF in 2010 in an administrative capacity. Prior to joining the festival, she garnered experience at the Queer Film Festival Mezipatra and other Czech film festivals. Kořínek’s programming focus is notably diverse, spanning German-speaking countries, the Middle East, and Iran. Beyond geographical territories, she is the curator of "Future Frames: Generation NEXT of European Cinema," a vital program dedicated to promoting young European directors and facilitating their transition from film school to the broader industry. Her work in this area is crucial for nurturing the next generation of cinematic talent.
One of Kořínek’s most profound experiences at KVIFF revolves around giving a voice to filmmakers silenced in their home countries, often for political reasons. Her focus on the Middle East and Iran has connected her with independent filmmakers who bravely resist censorship. She recounts a particularly moving moment when an Iranian director, then in exile in France, witnessed his film on the big screen in Karlovy Vary via a video call, receiving a powerful ovation and shouts of support from the audience. This moment, she emphasizes, brought tears not only to the filmmaker but also to his friend, highlighting the profound emotional impact of KVIFF as a haven for artistic freedom. Kořínek deeply cherishes the annual "summer camp" atmosphere of the festival, the joy of meeting filmmakers, and the thrill of introducing films she and her colleagues have passionately championed. She finds immense satisfaction in observing audience members discussing films after screenings, a testament to the festival’s power to spark conversation and connection.
Sandra Hezinová: Bridging Scandinavian, Canadian, and Latin American Narratives
Sandra Hezinová began her KVIFF journey in 2015 while pursuing her Master’s degree in Film Studies at Charles University, initially providing administrative support before becoming a programmer three years later. Before KVIFF, she organized a student film festival and was a programmer for the Queer Film Festival Mezipatra until 2019. Hezinová’s primary programming focus encompasses Scandinavian and Canadian cinema, with recent expansions to include Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. Her strong interest in queer cinema also shapes her curatorial approach.
A particularly memorable KVIFF experience for Hezinová was the 53rd edition, when Sébastien Pilote’s The Fireflies Are Gone, a film she discovered and championed after seeing it at screenings in Montreal, was screened in the Crystal Globe Competition. This personal triumph underscores the rewarding nature of scouting new films and witnessing their journey to festival recognition. For Hezinová, the true joy of KVIFF lies in the discovery of new projects and the invaluable opportunity to welcome the filmmakers behind the selected works, an experience she finds both enriching and deeply rewarding year after year.
Vojtěch Kočarník: Spotlight on Central/Eastern Europe, Africa, and Documentary Film
Vojtěch Kočarník’s path to KVIFF was inspired by an early festival experience as a student, witnessing programmers engaging with the audience. His curiosity about the inner workings of film festivals led him to interview Karel Och, eventually securing a position as a pre-selector, which evolved into a full-time programmer role. Kočarník’s academic background includes Media Studies, Journalism, European Politics, and Film Studies. In addition to his KVIFF role, he also works in film distribution.
As a programmer, Kočarník specializes in the Central and Eastern European region and Africa, and he holds the crucial responsibility for documentaries from across the globe. His most cherished KVIFF moments are those spent with young, emerging filmmakers. He vividly recalls introducing the Oscar-winning director Mstyslav Chernov’s documentary 2000 Meters to Andriivka last year, a moment that powerfully brought home the responsibility and purpose of his profession: to broaden awareness and bring stories and testimonies from all corners of the world, even from the front line of war. Beyond the human stories, Kočarník holds a deep affection for the brutalist architecture of Hotel Thermal, particularly the Grand Hall, with its distinctive aura, cinema screen, and red seats, deeming it "the most beautiful cinema I know."
Petra Vočadlová: From Reception to Programmer, Cultivating Anglo-Benelux Cinema
Petra Vočadlová’s involvement with KVIFF began in 2017 during her university studies, initially at the Program Department reception. After completing her Film Studies degrees in Scotland and the Netherlands, she rejoined the team in 2021 and became a programmer in 2023. Vočadlová’s programming focus includes the Benelux region and English-speaking countries. Alongside her colleague Natalia, she co-curates the festival’s popular genre section, "Afterhours."
Among her many special KVIFF experiences, Vočadlová particularly cherishes the two days before the festival officially begins. This period of calm before the storm sees the core team gathering at Hotel Thermal, sharing a beer, and savoring the anticipation of the upcoming event. Having spent her entire twenties working for KVIFF, Vočadlová feels the festival has become "part of my DNA." She expresses gratitude for the opportunities it provides to travel, meet international professionals, and engage with a global network. She is proud to be part of an event that sparks important conversations and connects film lovers and industry professionals across generations and borders, considering it the ultimate start to her summer.
Natalia Kozáková: Unearthing Gems from the Post-Soviet Bloc and Genre Cinema
Natalia Kozáková began her collaboration with KVIFF in 2018 as a program assistant while studying film at Charles University, progressing through roles as a pre-selector and jury guide before becoming a programmer in 2024. Prior to her full-time KVIFF role, she also worked as a content creator for a children’s radio, a tourist guide, and a film critic. Kozáková’s programming specialties include films from the post-Soviet bloc, animation, and genre films, which she co-curates for the "Afterhours" section with Petra Vočadlová.
Her fondest KVIFF memories revolve around meeting incredible people as a jury guide, many of whom became close friends. She also finds immense joy in witnessing standing ovations after premieres in the Grand Hall, a heartwarming testament to the power of shared cinematic experience. For Kozáková, the unique and passionate cinephile audience is one of the many things she loves most about KVIFF, reflecting the profound connection between the festival’s curated content and its dedicated attendees.
Lorenzo Esposito: The International Bridge, Enriching KVIFF’s Global Dialogue
Lorenzo Esposito’s journey with KVIFF began in 2019 as an Italian consultant, a role he maintained until becoming an Associate Programmer in 2025. His extensive experience in major international festivals is unparalleled, having served as a programmer for Venice, Turin, Rome, Locarno (2013-2018), and Berlinale (2020-2024). Esposito has also curated significant retrospectives for KVIFF, including "Another Birth. Iranian Cinema Here and Now" (2023) and "The Wish to Be a Red Indian: Franz Kafka and Cinema" (2024, co-curated with Karel Och).
Initially focusing on Mediterranean countries, the Middle East, Portugal, Turkey, and Iran during his Locarno and Berlin years, Esposito’s role at Karlovy Vary has broadened his scope to an all-encompassing international purview. His most cherished KVIFF experiences include the happiness and gratitude expressed by the young independent Iranian directors and producers featured in the 2023 retrospective, underscoring the festival’s impact on filmmakers facing adversity. Esposito deeply values the programming freedom KVIFF offers and, like Natalia Kozáková, the discerning and passionate audience that defines the festival’s unique atmosphere. His integration as the first foreign-language-speaking core programmer marks a pivotal moment in KVIFF’s ongoing evolution towards truly global representation.
The Unseen Labor: The Year-Round Commitment
The detailed insights from the KVIFF programming team members reveal a profound dedication that extends far beyond the ten days of the festival itself. Their work involves continuous scouting at other international festivals, engaging with filmmakers and producers, meticulous film viewing, rigorous internal debates, and strategic planning. This year-round commitment ensures that KVIFF maintains its reputation for curatorial excellence and remains at the forefront of cinematic discovery. The process of sifting through potentially thousands of submissions to select the approximately 200 films that comprise the official program is an immense logistical and artistic challenge, demanding a blend of critical acumen, cultural sensitivity, and an unwavering passion for cinema.
Beyond the Screen: KVIFF’s Broader Impact
KVIFF’s influence extends far beyond the screenings in its iconic venues. As a major A-list festival, it serves as a critical nexus for the international film industry, facilitating networking, distribution deals, and project development through its industry platforms like KVIFF Eastern Promises. Culturally, the festival enriches the Czech Republic’s artistic landscape and fosters cross-cultural understanding by presenting diverse narratives from around the world. The impact on emerging filmmakers, particularly through initiatives like "Future Frames," is immeasurable, providing crucial visibility and career momentum. Furthermore, by offering a platform to voices often marginalized or suppressed, such as Iranian independent filmmakers, KVIFF reaffirms its role as a champion of artistic freedom and human rights. The festival also contributes significantly to the local economy of Karlovy Vary, drawing tens of thousands of attendees annually, including industry professionals, critics, and cinephiles.
As the 2026 KVIFF selection is finalized and presented to the world, only time will reveal which films will emerge as big surprises, major discoveries, or arthouse gems. What is undeniably clear, however, is that the magic woven on the screens of Karlovy Vary is the direct result of the tireless, passionate, and collaborative efforts of Karel Och and his exceptional team of "worker bees." Their collective dedication ensures that KVIFF continues to be a vibrant beacon for cinema, connecting audiences and filmmakers in a shared celebration of storytelling for decades to come.
