The Film Industry Office & Lounge is now located in Kaiserbad (Císařské lázně) at the address Mariánskolázeňská 2, Karlovy Vary.
KVIFF Industry Days 2025 will take place from Sunday, July 6 to Wednesday, July 9, at the new Kaiserbad venue.
15:30 – 19:00 CET
This event is in Czech without translation.
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.
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17:30 – 18:30 CET
What happens after a celebrated debut? This panel brings together Czech filmmakers navigating the complex path from first feature success to sustainable careers. We explore the pressure to deliver again, the creative and
structural hurdles of second films, and the evolving support systems in place to help emerging voices move forward. A candid discussion on expectations, opportunity, and the reality of staying visible in a competitive
landscape with those who live it - Czech talented directors. Moderated by Diana Lodderhose, DEADLINE.
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10:30 – 13:30 CET
Explore the latest worldwide industry trends and key issues shaping its direction. Engage with international speakers, insightful presentations and exclusive interviews. This part of the conference offers valuable insights into your daily work and inspires new approaches from around the world. Topics and speakers will be revealed during the month of June.
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14:30 – 16:00 CET
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, five 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.
For the second time, Karlovy Vary IFF will host the Eurimages Co-production Development Award of €20,000, granted to one of the projects presented within Eastern Promises Industry Days. In addition, the most promising project will receive the Works in Development Award of €10,000, selected by an international jury.
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16:30 – 17:00 CET
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.
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13:00 – 14:00 CET
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14:30 – 15:30 CET
As AI tools increasingly permeate the audiovisual production pipeline—from script development to postproduction—the film industry faces a defining moment. This conversation explores how these technologies are reshaping creative workflows, challenging traditional notions of authorship, and testing existing industry frameworks. Rather than relying on protectionist instincts, what does a realistic and future-oriented strategy for adaptation look like? Can coexistence between human and machine creativity become a strength rather than a threat? With perspectives grounded in innovation, legal expertise, and industry practice, this session considers how filmmakers and institutions—especially in Central and Eastern Europe—can respond to the rapid digital transformation. This panel is sponsored by MEDIA Desk Creative Europe CZ.
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16:15 – 17:15 CET
What does intimacy coordination actually involve—and why is it still misunderstood in parts of Central and Northern Europe? This panel explores the evolving role of intimacy coordinators in regional film and theatre production, from student films to international co-productions. With insights from both practitioners and producers, we’ll unpack persistent myths, production challenges, legal grey zones, and shifting industry standards. An open and responsible dialogue about care, power dynamics, and communication behind the scenes. In partnership with ARAS (Association of Czech Film Directors, Screenwriters and Script Editors).
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17:30 – 18:30 CET
What does it take to stay in the industry as an independent producer today? This conversation brings together producers from various backgrounds to discuss the invisible pressures they navigate: lack of security, burnout,
parenting, unequal conditions in co-productions, and the struggle to make the profession sustainable and fair. With a focus on talent retention and long-term resilience, the session reflects on how much of producing today
happens not just on set or on paper, but between people — and between deeply mismatched systems. In collaboration with APA and ACE Producers.
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10:00 – 11:15 CET
A brand new development program designed for supporting European producers and scriptwriters who want to boost their series projects through hands-on development, expert mentorship and financial support. 5 creative teams
present the results of their endeavour to adapt unique Intellectual Properties (IPs) into 5 compelling series.
Pop Up Series Incubator is presented in partnership with Tatino Films.
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11:30 – 12:30 CET
A panel introducing the impact of the new Czech Audiovisual Act reform (expansion of public support, increased production incentives, obligation for both local and international streaming platforms to contribute 3.5% of their revenue through a combination of levies and direct investment)
In collaboration with VARIETY.Add event to calendar
13:30 – 16:30 CET
KVIFF Central Stage spotlights the future of Central European co-production: Fourteen acclaimed directors unveil their next films in late stage of development, in all stages of production or post-production. A new initiative by Film Industry of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, in cooperation with promotional agencies across Central Europe.
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21:00 – 22:00 CET
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15:00 – 17:00 CET
What conditions do film and television creators face in the Czech Republic today? How are professional standards established, how is feedback delivered – and where does the system fail? In an open conversation with Marta Nováková, director and ARAS (Association of Czech Film Directors, Screenwriters and Script Editors) chairwoman, this live podcast session will focus on pressing issues within the film industry and on how ARAS seeks to change them. The format will also include space for questions from the audience. Hosted by Klára Jůzová. The episode will then be published on July 17th on all podcast platforms. The podcast is produced by Krutart studio and with support from the Czech Audiovisual Fund and the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic. This event is in Czech language only.
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10:30 - 13:30
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One-on-One Meetings will take place in Carlsbad Plaza Hotel – Rockefeller Hall (Mariánskolázeňská 25, Karlovy Vary), during Tuesday, July 8:
Throughout the festival
Learn more about their work from directors, actors, and other filmmakers who present their work at the festival. Unless indicated otherwise, the program is held in English, is not translated, and do not require a ticket or accreditation.
First-hand brews throughout the year.
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