The Film Industry Office & Lounge is now located in Kaiserbad (Císařské lázně) at the address Mariánskolázeňská 2, Karlovy Vary.
KVIFF Industry Days 2026 will take place from Sunday, July 5 to Wednesday, July 8, with a special ICDA Casting Day Program on Thursday, July 9, at the Kaiserbad venue.
Events are in English unless stated otherwise. Schedule subject to change.
15:30 – 18:30
What themes and changes are driving Czech Industry? This event provides a platform for leading Czech film associations, state institutions or key industry players to engage in short presentations, interviews and discussions and thus brings a comprehensive overview of the current state of the local film industry. Moderated by Saša Michailidis.
In collaboration with Audovisual Producers' Association and Czech Audiovisual Fund
This event is in Czech without translation.
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10:30 – 12:00
KVIFF Promises Project Presentation
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival continues its long-standing collaboration with MIDPOINT Institute to present a strong lineup of emerging European talent. This year’s Works in Development – Feature Launch selection includes nine feature-length projects currently in development and looking for co-production partners. Developed within the MIDPOINT Feature Launch program, these projects represent some of the most promising voices in European cinema.
Alongside them, four additional projects developed within MIDPOINT Focus Queer —a program supporting filmmakers exploring queer narratives—will be showcased, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in contemporary storytelling.
Karlovy Vary IFF hosts the Eurimages Co-production Development Award of €20,000, granted to one of the eligible projects presented within KVIFF Promises. In addition, the most promising project, selected by international jury, will receive the Works in Development Award of €10,000.
More information about the films in the Book of Projects here
One-on-one meetings with the projects will take place on Monday, July 6 – book your meeting in time using the b.square platform. For more information see the One-on-One meetings section below.
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12:30 - 13:00
The film and media industry is undergoing profound change. Shifting audience habits, new technologies,
and evolving business models are challenging many of the assumptions which the industry has long relied
on. In this key-note session, producer Michael Frenschkowski reflects on his own
journey from focusing solely on filmmaking to exploring what the future of the screen industries might
look like.
Drawing on audience data, media trends, and industry analysis, he examines why adapting to
change is becoming increasingly important for producers, creators, and media companies alike. Rather
than offering predictions, this talk invites to question established narratives, engage critically with
emerging trends, and consider how they can build resilient strategies for an uncertain future. While the
transformation ahead may be disruptive, it also offers new opportunities for those willing to rethink
and reinvent their role within the industry.
In collaboration with International Screen Institute
Speakers: Michael Frenschkowski ↗Add event to calendar
13:00 - 13:45
For many independent filmmakers, audience-building is something that happens once a film is finished and
a distributor comes on board. Yet in today’s crowded marketplace, that approach is becoming increasingly
difficult to sustain. Should producers be thinking about audiences while projects are still being
financed and made? Can marketing strategy strengthen a film’s positioning, partnerships, and long-term
visibility? And how can filmmakers balance creative priorities with the growing need to build awareness
and engagement long before release?
Bringing together Oscar-winning producer Mollye Asher (Nomadland, The Rider, On Swift
Horses) and film marketing strategist Mathias Noschis (Alphapanda), this conversation
explores the evolving relationship between producing and audience development. Drawing on experiences
from the U.S. and European independent sectors, the session examines how audience considerations
intersect with financing, packaging, partnerships, publicity, and distribution—and why building momentum
around a film can no longer be treated as an afterthought.
As traditional distribution models continue to evolve, the conversation asks a fundamental question: is
audience strategy still a marketing concern—or has it become an essential part of filmmaking itself?
In partnership with Creative Europe Desk CZ MEDIA, Global Media Makers, United States Department of State, United States Embassy Prague, United States Embassy Bratislava .
SpeakersAdd event to calendar
14:00 – 16:00
KVIFF Promises Project Presentation
KVIFF Central Stage is a new initiative by Film Industry of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, in cooperation with promotional agencies across Central Europe. This event is designed to promote established filmmakers from Central Europe, spotlight upcoming fiction film projects with significant financing in place, and foster co-production opportunities within the region. By bringing together filmmakers, producers, distributors, and industry professionals, KVIFF Central Stage aims to elevate Central European cinema and strengthen regional collaboration.
More information about the films in the Book of Projects here
One-on-one meetings with the projects will take place on Tuesday, July 7 – book your meeting in time using the b.square platform. For more information see the One-on-One meetings section below.
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16:15 - 17:00
Independent films have never had more ways to reach audiences—yet many still struggle to find them. As
traditional distribution models come under increasing pressure, filmmakers and producers are searching
for new ways to connect their work with viewers in an increasingly crowded and fragmented media
landscape.
Two industr y leaders are tackling the same challenge from different perspectives:
Oscar-winning producer Juan de Dios Larraín (Pijama) advocates for direct-to-audience
distribution and greater control for filmmakers, while Steffen Kottkamp (Directors
Collection, Weydemann Bros.) explores curated digital ecosystems, AVOD and FAST channel strategies, and
new approaches to long-term audience engagement.
Moderated by Diana Lodderhose, the discussion will examine the future of
independent film distribution, discoverability, audience behavior, monetization, and the evolving roles
of distributors, platforms, festivals, and filmmakers themselves. The session offers valuable insights
for producers, filmmakers, distributors, and industry professionals seeking to navigate a rapidly
changing marketplace and identify new opportunities for independent cinema.
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17:00 – 17:45
How do producers, TV creators, publishers, and rights holders identify literary works with strong screen potential in today’s rapidly evolving content landscape? This panel, moderated by Veronika Bednářová, explores the shifting dynamics of book-to-screen adaptations, from early development and rights acquisition to creative translation and audience expectations. Speakers will discuss current industry trends, the balance between artistic vision and market demand, and what makes a story truly adaptable today.
Speakers:Add event to calendar
11:00 - 12:30
Join producer Martin Jůza for a live recording of the Czech Film Industry Podcast by Pitch.cz featuring top media executive Petr Dvořák. This session explores Dvořák’s influential career, highlighting his transformative tenure as Director General of Czech Television and his impact on public broadcasting. The discussion will tackle the evolution of Czech film funds and strategic visions for the future of domestic audiovisual production. An essential live debate on the shaping of the local industry.
Event in Czech without translation.Add event to calendar
15:00 – 16:00
The Association of Directors, Screenwriters, and Dramaturgs (ARAS) will present a new practical tool for
more objective and informed negotiations on compensation in the audiovisual industry. The calculator
converts an employee’s gross salary into the equivalent remuneration for a self-employed person and
takes into account the cost of labor, paid time off, compensation for short-term illness, overhead
costs, and the irregular nature of assignments. Marta Nováková, chairwoman of ARAS, and Jindřich Andrš,
director, producer, and ARAS board member, will present the principles on which the calculator is based
and demonstrate its practical applications. The presentation will be followed by a discussion on its
further development and use.
Event in Czech without translation.
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12:30 – 14:00
Carlsbad Plaza
An informal meeting of the film and audiovisual community with members of the expert councils and the
office of the Czech Audiovisual Fund. The roundtable format will offer space for an open discussion on
the priorities of the individual councils, the experience gained during the first months of the Fund’s
operation after its transformation, and the future direction of public support for Czech audiovisual
works.
The meeting is intended for industry professionals, applicants, creators, producers
and other representatives of the professional public who wish to speak directly with council members in
a substantive yet informal festival setting.
Participating council members: Tomáš Luňák, Lenka Wimmerová, Peter Badač, Zdeňka Kujová, Dan
Krátký, Milan Kuchynka, Barbora Struss
Office of the Fund: Pavla Mrázková, Head of the Incentives Department, Kateřina Košická, Head of the Audiovisual Support Department. For anyone interested in selective support and incentives.
To book your meeting, please use b.square, our One-on-One meeting platform. More info in the One-on-One meetings section below.
11:45 – 13:00
KVIFF Promises Project Presentation
Karlovy Vary IFF, Frankfurter Buchmesse, Svět knihy (Book World) and Moravian Library in Brno, with the support of the PPF Foundation, announce a new joint project called Book-to-Screen at KVIFF. Its long-term goal is to create a market for film rights to adaptations of literary works from Central and Eastern Europe, thereby strengthening cooperation between the film and book industries. An international jury of Book-to-Screen at KVIFF composed of representatives of the organizing organizations will then select 5-10 works from the submitted applications. These will be presented to domestic and foreign producers. In addition to book presentations, the program will also include a panel discussion focused on film adaptations and a networking meeting for all participants.
More information about the films in the Book of Projects here
One-on-one meetings with the projects will take place on Tuesday, July 7 – book your meeting in time using the b.square platform. For more information see the One-on-One meetings section below.
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13:30 – 14:30
How to balance artistic ambition with international partnerships, develop prestige projects across film
and television, and navigate today's evolving production landscape? A case study in building a
successful boutique production company, this discussion offers valuable insights into talent
relationships, project development, financing, and maintaining a clear creative vision in a competitive
global market.
Founded by actor and producer Jude Law and producer
Ben Jackson, Riff Raff Entertainment has established itself as a filmmaker-driven
production company developing distinctive film and television projects with strong creative identities
and international reach. From acclaimed titles such as The Order and True Things to the hit series Black
Rabbit, the company has built a reputation for championing bold storytelling while collaborating with
leading creative talent.
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KVIFF Promises Project Presentation
Discover a new wave of creativity with KVIFF Talents, now already in its third year. Join us in supporting bold and dynamic approaches to cinematography and audiovisual production in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. KVIFF Talents consists of two separate programmes, Feature Pool for feature films at the idea stage, and Creative Pool, for audiovisual works of any format and genre, whether it's a short film, TV series, music video, game concept or beyond. In this session, you will be introduced to six upcoming projects in the development stage.
More information about the films in the Book of Projects here
One-on-one meetings with the projects will take place on Tuesday, July 7 – book your meeting in time using the b.square platform. For more information see the One-on-One meetings section below.
Add event to calendar
16:45 – 17:40
Building a Slate with Intention
How does a producer cultivate a distinct creative identity
while building a sustainable career in an increasingly unstable marketplace? This conversation explores
how producers curate projects, foster long-term creative relationships, and shape a slate that balances
artistic ambition with the practical realities of financing, packaging, and distribution.
Bringing
together producers with complementary perspectives on the craft and business of producing, the
session will examine the choices that shape a career over time. Mollye Asher is known
for championing distinctive auteur voices and long-term creative collaborations and
Greg Shapiro
for his extensive experience in international co-productions, financing, and navigating the evolving
realities of the global independent film market.
In partnership with Global Media Makers, United States Department of State, United States Embassy Prague, United States Embassy Bratislava.
Speakers:Add event to calendar
10:00 – 11:30
A selected group of publishers, producers, and industry leaders will examine the future of book-to-screen adaptations in Central and Eastern Europe. Moderated by Joanna Szymańska and Niki Théron, the session is conceived as an active working forum rather than a traditional panel discussion, fostering open exchange, cross-sector dialogue, and the development of concrete recommendations to strengthen collaboration between the publishing and audiovisual industries.
This is a closed working session, by invitation only. To express your interest, please send us an email to [email protected].
Moderators:14:30 – 15:30
How does a bestseller in the Czech Republic get transformed into a film or series? How do you obtain the
rights to adapt a literary work, what does the negotiation process between authors, publishers, and
producers look like, and what should you watch out for when signing contracts?
This short presentation and the following discussion will offer practical insight into the world of
adaptation rights and present the key legal and business aspects of transforming a literary work into
audiovisual form. It will focus on the process of acquiring rights, the typical points covered by
contracts, and current trends in film and television adaptations.
Event in Czech without translation.
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16:30 – 17:15
Since the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian filmmakers have continued to develop, finance and complete
documentary and fiction projects under extraordinary circumstances. International co-productions,
funding schemes and institutional partnerships have become essential not only for the survival of the
sector, but also for ensuring that Ukrainian stories remain visible within the European cultural
landscape.
Filmmakers, producers, funders and industry representatives reflect on how
Ukrainian cinema is being sustained during wartime and what forms of international cooperation are
needed for the future. Topics include co-production as a tool of continuity, visibility and cultural
diplomacy, the role of European funds, broadcasters and festivals in supporting Ukrainian projects, and
the challenges of developing and completing films during the ongoing war. Attention is also given to
longer-term support mechanisms that can strengthen Ukrainian cinema and foster lasting international
partnerships beyond immediate emergency responses.
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10:30 – 16:30
A curated programme block exploring the latest developments and challenges in streaming, television, and series production, with a particular focus on Central Europe (and beyond). Developed in collaboration with Oneplay.
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10:30 - 11:10
Central and Eastern Europe is often viewed primarily as a cost-efficient production destination. Yet
over the past two decades, the region has developed into a vibrant network of creative industries,
financing opportunities, and international partnerships that extends far beyond production services.
This discussion, hosted by Saša Michailidis explores how producers can move beyond
traditional East–West assumptions and better understand the interconnected ecosystems that shape today's
European series landscape. Through examples from international collaborations, the panel will examine
how strategic partnerships can unlock access to talent, broadcasters, funding opportunities, and
audiences across multiple territories.
Bringing together industry experts from across Europe,
the session offers fresh perspectives on how creative and financial collaboration can strengthen the
future of European series production.
In partnership with Seriesly Berlin.
Speakers:11:10 - 11:45
Why do some original series arrive already carrying a sense of anticipation, while others struggle to
break through the noise? Long before trailers, advertising campaigns, or platform recommendations come
into play, audience engagement is often shaped by the creative decisions made during development.
In this conversation, director Jan Holoubek reflects on the journey of Heweliusz and
the broader challenge of creating premium television that captures public attention before release.
Through the lens of story selection, creative vision, cultural relevance, and collective memory, the
session explores how certain projects generate curiosity, discussion, and anticipation from their
earliest stages.
As streamers increasingly search for original stories capable of standing
alongside established franchises and familiar IP, what qualities make audiences care about a project
before they have seen a single episode? And how can creators build that connection without compromising
their artistic ambitions?
In collaboration with Netflix
11:45 – 12:00
Europe has changed dramatically over the past seventy years, but have the stories we fund, develop,
celebrate, and define as “European” changed with it?
Drawing on new research from ARTEF’s
2026 Think Tank Report, Victoria Thomas explores how the structures that shape European
cinema—from development funding and festivals to trade press and awards—continue to influence whose
stories are seen, supported, and remembered. She will present key findings from ARTEF’s research into
the question “What is a European story?” and introduce Main Character, a new initiative designed to
uncover European experiences that exist in contemporary society but remain largely absent from the
screen.
Part presentation, part industry conversation, the session invites participants to
reconsider how European cinema defines itself—and what new stories might emerge when the idea of “the
European story” is opened to a wider range of voices and lived experiences.
12:15 – 12:55
David Chase in Conversation – exclusive on-stage conversation reflecting on David's extraordinary contribution to television storytelling and the evolution of the audiovisual industry. Designed not as a retrospective celebration alone, but as a forward-looking discussion connecting the creative revolution initiated by The Sopranos with today’s rapidly changing landscape of streaming platforms, audience behaviour, content financing, and creative authorship.
Speakers:12:55 - 13:40
Television has never been more ambitious. As streamers compete for audiences around the world, series
are increasingly produced with cinematic visual language, feature-film production values, and creative
teams drawn from the worlds of film and television alike. Yet with greater scale come new challenges:
rising audience expectations, global commissioning strategies, increasing pressure to stand out in a
crowded marketplace, and the constant tension between creative vision and commercial realities.
Writer,
producer and actor Sharon Horgan and director Andrij Parekh come
together for a conversation about how contemporary television is evolving as an artistic and industrial
form. Drawing on their experience creating and shaping some of the most acclaimed series of recent
years, they will explore how stories are developed, how visual identity is built, and how creators
navigate the opportunities and constraints of today’s streaming landscape. From cinematic storytelling
and audience engagement to creative authorship and the realities of working with global platforms, this
discussion examines what it takes to create television that resonates in an increasingly competitive and
international environment.
14:00 – 14:25
Fire-side chat with Cecilia Shen, co-founder and CEO of Utopai Studios, global Forbes’ 30 Under 30 alumna.
Speakers:14:25 – 15:15
Vertical dramas have rapidly evolved from a niche mobile format into one of the fastest-growing segments
of the global screen industry. As platforms, audiences, and business models continue to shift, many
producers are beginning to ask whether vertical storytelling represents a passing trend, a new
development tool, or an entirely new audiovisual market.
This session offers an introduction
to the opportunities and challenges of the format. Bringing together creators, producers, and industry
experts, the discussion will explore how vertical series are produced, financed, and consumed, as well
as the different perspectives emerging around their future. Are verticals a low-risk way to test ideas
and reach new audiences, or are they becoming a high-volume content business driven primarily by
platforms and scale?
Designed for filmmakers, producers, and screenwriters, the panel aims to
provide a practical overview of a rapidly evolving format and what it could mean for the future of
content creation in Central and Eastern Europe.
In collaboration with TIW Venture Studio
Speakers:15:15 – 16:30
Artificial intelligence and emerging production technologies are opening new possibilities for
filmmakers working under increasingly demanding creative and financial conditions. We wil explores how
producers can enhance production value, visual ambition and storytelling potential without necessarily
increasing budgets.
Bringing together experts from serial drama, virtual production and documentary filmmaking, we will
examine practical AI-supported workflows already being used across the industry—from post-production and
visual development to virtual environments and real-time production. Through concrete case studies and
production experiences, speakers discuss how new technologies are helping teams work more efficiently,
make bolder creative choices and compete in a rapidly evolving market.
The session will be followed by focused roundtable discussions with participating companies, offering
attendees the opportunity to explore individual tools, workflows and production strategies in greater
depth.
In collaboration with PLOT NEXT
Penzing Studios & Hyperbowl
Penzing Studios and Hyperbowl operate at the intersection of virtual production, real-time rendering and AI-assisted creative workflows. Their approach integrates LED volume production, AI-supported environment creation, worldbuilding and previsualization, allowing filmmakers to visualize and refine complex scenes much earlier in the production process. By reducing the need for physical sets, travel and costly reshoots, these technologies make ambitious visual concepts accessible to a wider range of productions while increasing creative flexibility and production value.
UFA Serial Drama
Working within the fast-paced environment of daily drama production, UFA Serial Drama is investigating how AI can support large-scale content creation where efficiency, consistency and speed are essential. The company is testing AI-assisted workflows across various stages of production, from process automation to production planning and creative development. Their experience offers valuable insight into how emerging technologies can be integrated into established production structures and how AI may help increase production value within highly constrained schedules and budgets.
Doclights
Doclights is exploring how AI can support factual and documentary storytelling through practical, production-driven applications. Their work combines AI-assisted post-production workflows, image enhancement technologies and tools integrated into DaVinci Resolve with virtual production techniques and reenactments created in Unreal Engine. Rather than replacing traditional filmmaking processes, these technologies are used to streamline workflows, increase visual quality and expand storytelling possibilities within the budgetary realities of documentary production.
Speakers:16:30 - 18:00
An in-depth and hands-on workshop format expands on the AI programme on Main stage with a closer look at
both the technical and creative aspects of new available tools and workflows. In a roundtable format,
participants will have a chance to work through specific production challenges, explore real-world uses
of AI technologies, and gain a deeper understanding of how these tools are influencing contemporary
audiovisual practice. In addititon, they will have a chance to ask questions and receive guidance on how
to implement these tools in their production work.
In collaboration with PLOT NEXT
Program will be announced soon
New programme block exploring the current casting developments and challenges in Central Europe and beyond. In collaboration with International Casting Directors Association.
12:00 – 13:30
As international productions increasingly look beyond traditional casting hubs, actors from Central and
Eastern Europe are finding themselves in greater demand than ever before. Yet opportunities often come
with challenges. How are actors from the region perceived by international casting directors? What
barriers continue to exist? And what qualities are helping performers break through in an increasingly
global marketplace?
Bringing together one of the region’s most celebrated actors alongside leading casting directors working
across Europe, this panel will explore the realities of international casting today. From language and
accent to cultural specificity, self-tapes, representation and evolving industry expectations, the
discussion will examine how talent from Central and Eastern Europe is being discovered, assessed and
cast for international projects.
Drawing on perspectives from both sides of the casting
process, the conversation will offer practical insights into what is changing, what remains stubbornly
the same, and how actors can position themselves for success in a global industry.
Whether
you are an actor, filmmaker, casting professional or simply curious about the future of European screen
talent, join us for an honest discussion about visibility, opportunity and the changing geography of
international casting.
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15:00 – 16:30
Great ensembles rarely happen by chance. Bringing together the right cast requires creative vision,
industry insight, and close collaboration between casting directors, agents, directors, producers, and
performers. Every casting decision shapes not only an individual role but also the chemistry, balance,
authenticity, and emotional impact of the story as a whole.
This conversation brings together
award winning casting director Nancy Bishop who currently resides in London and worked
for many years in Prague, leading talent agent Anila Gajević, CEO of Zona Talents, and
award-winning director Tonia Mishiali of Cyprus, to explore the collaborative process
behind building successful casts across film and television. Drawing on their experience of working
across borders and industries, the panel will examine how creative and business relationships influence
casting decisions, particularly in international productions and co-productions.
From
independent films and international co-productions to high-end television and studio projects, this
discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the partnerships, decisions, and expertise that shape some
of the most memorable ensembles in contemporary screen storytelling.
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During the Industry Days, you will have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with projects presented within KVIFF Promises, as well as film funds and other film professionals.
All One-on-One Meetings will take place in Carlsbad Plaza Hotel – Rockefeller Hall (Mariánskolázeňská 25, Karlovy Vary).
Booking one-on-one meetings is done through the b.square platform. Information on how to access and use it will be sent to accredited industry guest via email.
Monday, July 6:
Tuesday, July 7:
Monday, July 6, 12:30 - 14:00
Tuesday, July 7, 13:00 - 15:00
If you have questions regarding the One-on-One meetings, please contact us at [email protected].
KVIFF Talks are regular meetings organized with directors, actors, and other filmmakers who present their work as part of the festival program.
This year, KVIFF Talks will primarily take place in a new venue. The Festival Lounge is located on the ground floor of the Thermal Hotel and can be accessed through the hotel café situated behind the reception desk.
As usual, admission is free and no ticket or accreditation is required. Unless stated otherwise, all KVIFF Talks are held in English without interpretation.
KVIFF Talks are presented in partnership with Universal Production Services. More information on KVIFF Talks here
First-hand brews throughout the year.
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