Published: July 06, 2015| 03:55 PM

Documentarian Miroslav Janek’s task was not easy: to summarize the history of the Karlovy Vary IFF from its founding in 1946 through its first, non-competitive years, all the way to its 50th anniversary. The result is the nearly 80-minute-long Film Spa, whose official world premiere was introduced by the director himself together with Eva Zaoralová, artistic consultant of the KVIFF, and other artists. “We wanted to show viewers the historical facts, but at the same time, we didn’t want it to be boring,” explained Janek.

And indeed, there was no sight of viewers nodding off to a series of uninteresting pieces of information. The thoughtful editing of archival footage together with newly conducted interviews helped convey on screen the irreplaceable atmosphere of the festival, full of hyperbole and humor, at times almost Dadaist. We see Henry Fonda grilling a hot dog, the awarding of absurd prizes for “Contributions Toward the Creation of the New Man” and Horníček’s unforgettable Film Festival Moments.

It took Janek three weeks just to watch all the material. That Film Spa is overflowing with humor and atmosphere was affirmed in the ensuing discussion by producer Ondřej Zima: “I’ve seen it several times already, and every time, I have the same appetite for a beer and a hot dog.”

Further screenings of Film Spa:
9.7. 18:30 Cinema B
​0.7. 16:00 Husovka Theatre