The 60th anniversary edition of KVIFF is here, and with it comes our traditional festival coverage, including presentation of the competition films and daily programme tips, available on our website and in the Vodafone KVIFF Guide app. Here’s what to look forward to on the festival’s opening day.
Let’s start with the films. The first screening of the day is How to Divorce During the War, a family drama co-produced by the Czech Republic, presented in the Horizons section, at Čas Cinema at 9 a.m. From then until midnight, audiences can choose from screenings across ten cinema halls, featuring everything from timeless classics to the latest award winners from Cannes and Berlin.
This year, you can also unwind in KVIFF's new chill-out zones. Baden powered by Visa is located in the Castle Spa, with the Baden reception by Aerofilms just next door. Open from 10 a.m. until midnight, it offers an unconventional wellness experience, from neck massages to film tarot readings. Treatments can be booked both on site and online.
The opening ceremony of the 60th KVIFF begins at 6 p.m., while the red carpet opens to the public at 4 p.m. This year, red carpet is also featured on the festival poster and other official merchandise. The programme starts with a live performance by Annet X and NobodyListen, followed by the arrival of the festival's star guests. Among those expected on the red carpet are Jesse Eisenberg, Harvey Keitel, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Dustin Hoffman. During the ceremony, the latter two will receive the Festival President's Award and the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema, respectively. Both the red carpet arrivals and the opening ceremony will be streamed live on KVIFF.TV. The festival will officially get underway with the opening film, The Match. This multi-layered documentary, whose significance extends far beyond the football pitch, will also screen for the public at 10 p.m. at the Pupp Cinema.
The traditional opening concert in front of Hotel Thermal begins at 10:20 p.m. Presented by festival partner ČEZ Group, the concert is free and open to everyone. Curated exclusively for this occasion by musician NobodyListen, the line-up features Matěj Ruppert, Yzomandias, Annet X and Vladimir 518. After the concert, the night sky will light up with a drone show presented by Allwyn.
You can find detailed schedule of accompanying program here.
We can’t wait to see you—after all, you’re what makes the festival truly special.
