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.
Events are in English unless stated otherwise. Schedule subject to change.
15:30 – 19:00 CET
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 Michaidilis.
In partnership with the Audiovisual Producers' Association.
(This event is in Czech without translation.)
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17:30 – 18:30 CET
What happens after a celebrated debut? This panel brings together filmmakers Cristina Groșan and Olmo Omerzu, 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 - talented directors. Moderated by Diana Lodderhose, DEADLINE.
(This event is in English without translation.)
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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. Moderated by Diana Lodderhose, DEADLINE.
In partnership with the Audiovisual Producers' Association.
(This event is in English without translation.)
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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.
More information about the films in the Book of Projects here
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16:30 – 17:30 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
Audiovisual cooperation between Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has led to numerous success stories, including high-quality co-productions and meaningful talent development practices. While most of this bi-regional collaboration has been driven by a few Western European countries, co-productions between LAC territories and Eastern European countries are also emerging and reaching audiences, paving the way for stronger ties between the two regions. Hosted by Yago Mateo, Cannes Film Festival.
To explore new avenues for developing and strengthening these connections, the discussion will bring together:(This event is in English without translation.)
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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.
Speakers:
(This event is in English without translation.)
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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. Hosted by journalist Veronika Peimer-Bednářová. In partnership with ARAS (Association of Czech Film Directors, Screenwriters and Script Editors).
Speakers:
(This event is in English without translation.)
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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. Hosted by Zach Ntim, Deadline. In collaboration with Audiovisual Producers' Association and ACE Producers.
Speakers:
(This event is in English without translation.)
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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.
More information about the films in the Book of Projects here
(This event is in English without translation.)
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11:30 – 12:30 CET
Organised by KVIFF in collaboration with the Czech Ministry of Culture and the Czech Audiovisual Fund,
and presented in partnership with Variety as part of the Czech Republic & KVIFF 2025 Special Issue.
This panel will introduce and discuss the upcoming Czech Audiovisual Act reform, including the expansion of public support,
increased production incentives, and—most notably—the newly introduced obligation for both local and international streaming platforms to
contribute 3.5 % of their revenue through a combination of levies and direct investment.
How this obligation aligns with their strategic plans? How they intend to divide the obligation between levy and investment?
What are the preferred modes of fulfilling the direct investment (e.g. commissioning, acquisition, subtitling, dubbing), and the
expected impact on local production and international reach of Czech content? And how will the role of independent producers evolve in this new framework?
Moderated by: Leo Barraclough (Variety)
Speakers:
(This event is in English without translation.)
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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.
(This event is in English without translation.)
More information about the films in the Book of Projects here
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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 - 15:00
10:30 - 11:30
Johnathan Young, May One
Emmanuel Eckert, Commissioner & Independent producer
Moritz von der Groeben, CEO & producer, good friends Filmproduktions
11:30 - 11:45
Josef Kullengård, Göteborg Film Festival
11:45 - 12:15
Jessica Loveland, Head of New Writing, BBC Writers & Drama Commissioning
12:30 - 13:20
Marianne Wendt, Creator & Showrunner
Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith, Screenwriter & Producer
Sullivan Le Postec, Writer & Director
Dylan Holmes Williams, Writer & Director
13:20 - 13:45
Mathias Noschis, Head of Strategy, Alphapanda
13:45 - 14:30
14:30 - 15:30
Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith, Screenwriter & Producer
Kurt Lustgarten, Writer & Director
(This event is in English without translation.)
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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:
For more information about how to book your appointments, please refer to our Festival Online Bag (received via email on June 30).
Throughout the festival
Learn more about their work from directors, actors, and other filmmakers who present their work at the festival.
Find this year's KVIFF Talks schedule here
Unless indicated otherwise, the program is held in English, is not translated, and do not require a ticket or accreditation.
The Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic and the Czech Audiovisual Fund in cooperation with the Karlovy Vary IFF are presenting the Filmmakers Lounge – an exclusive venue for the presentation of Czech audiovisual content and meeting of Czech and international film experts and filmmakers. Partnered by the Audiovisual Producers´ Association (APA).
Located between the Thermal Hotel and KVIFF.TV Park, the Filmmakers Lounge will be open to all holders of Filmmaker, Industry, Partner, Guest and Press accreditations.
Opening hours: Saturday 5 July – Friday 11 July, from 10:00 to 20:00.
The events are in Czech unless stated otherwise.
11:00
Opening with Martin Baxa, the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic.
15:00 – 16:00
Meeting with the Czech Game Developers Association.
18:00 – 19:00
Presentation of the ACT IN FILM project by actress Eliška Křenková and director Olmo Omerzu, powered by 2media.
10:30 – 11:30
Broken Voices (Sbormistr) – meeting with the film team, journalists and film professionals.
15:00 – 16:00
Meeting with representatives of the Czech Audiovisual Fund (for support applicants).
10:30 – 11:30
Girls in Film Meetup - informal meeting of the Girls in Film, platform supporting, connecting and showcasing the work of the new generation of women/trans* and nonbinary filmmakers
12:00 – 13:00
Meeting with representatives of the Czech Audiovisual Fund (for support applicants).
14:30 –15:30
Meeting of Audiovisual Producers´ Association (APA) and Czech producers
Informal meeting of Czech producers and their international colleagues to share experiences and enjoy informal networking in a friendly atmosphere, including the latest news on legislation.
10:30 – 11:30
Meeting of Audiovisual Producers´ Association (APA) and Czech Producers
Informal meeting of Czech producers and their international colleagues to share experiences and enjoy informal networking in a friendly atmosphere, including the latest news on legislation.
18:00 – 20:00
Let's Dance Away Barriers
Informal meeting of performers after the performance at Mlýnská Colonnade – 5 dancing wheelchair users from the Prague Wheelchair Sports Club, Kateřina Bartůněk Hrstková and Oskar Hes.
First-hand brews throughout the year.
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