Published: June 30, 2023| 08:00 AM

The 57 th KVIFF begins! It will all start at 8:30 a.m. with a screening of If Only I Could Hibernate, a Mongolian drama, in the Congress Hall. Zoljargal Purevdash’s assured debut feature explores the harsh realities of polluted Ulaanbaatar, where a teenage boy must fight for his dreams of a better future.

The multi-functional festival centre KVIFF.TV Park opens right next to the Thermal Hotel at 2:00 p.m. Have a bite to eat at the Rohlík bistro, play board games with Luxor, or refresh yourself with Magnum ice creams.

A line-up of activities, including meet-and-greets with film and television creators, dance and other classes for children and coffee served throughout the day, will be offered at the Czech Television House, which opens at 3:00 p.m. Every evening, the little ones can look forward to the screening of bedtime story cartoon Večerníček.

The highlight of Friday’s programme is the opening ceremony of the 57 th KVIFF. The first guest stars will greet the audience on the red carpet at 4:00 p.m. Russell Crowe, the Oscar-winning “Gladiator”, will also be there, as will the Swedish and Oscar-winning actress Alicia Vikander, who will later present her film Firebrand. Thanks to the online broadcast on KVIFF.TV, you can also watch the gala evening and the red carpet from the comfort of your home. You will also get to witness the brand new festival trailer starring Johnny Depp.

The first night of the festival will be dedicated to music. At 7:00 p.m., Morcheeba will have the audience grooving in front of the Thermal Hotel, followed by Vojtěch Dyk & D.Y.K. and DJ Kewu in the Mattoni Life Bar. Finally, Russell Crowe and his band Indoor Garden Party will grace the stage in front of the Thermal Hotel starting at 10:45 p.m. The concert finale will end with a festive fireworks display. 

The full accompanying programme is available here.