Karlovy Vary International Film Festival

About

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is considered the most important film event in Central and Eastern Europe. The basic concept of the Karlovy Vary IFF comes out of the Czech Republic’s advantageous geopolitical location at the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe. It introduces film industry representatives and press from all around the world to the newest local production, and presents new quality films from the rest of the world to Central and Eastern Europe’s own industry and press. Due to its highly-regarded programming and unique atmosphere, the Karlovy Vary IFF has become the key annual event for buyers, distributors, festival programmers, sales agents, journalists, and filmmakers.

The program includes four competitive sections:

• Official Selection – Competition (a non-specialized international competition of feature-length films; World, International and European premieres only);
• East of the West – Competition (an international competition – first and second films from Central and Eastern European directors; World, International and European premieres only);
• Documentary Films.

The Festival program also includes non-competitive sections, focuses, retrospectives, and tributes.

Awards

Official Selection – Competition:

• Grand Prix - Crystal Globe and 25,000 USD awarded to the best feature film (the financial award is shared equally by the director and producer of the award-winning film);
• Special Jury Prize and 15,000 USD (the financial award is shared equally by the director and producer of the award-winning film); 
• Best Director Award;
• Best Actress Award;
• Best Actor Award.

The jury may award up to a maximum of two Special Jury Mentions. The jury cannot award more than two prizes to the same film.

The international jury judging films in the East of the West – Competition is obliged to award following prize:

• East of the West Grand Prix and 15,000 USD to the best film (the financial award is shared equally by the director and producer of the award-winning film). This award may not be conferred ex-aequo.
• East of the West Special Jury Prize and 10 000 USD (the financial award is shared equally by the director and producer of the award-winning film). This award may not be conferred ex-aequo.

The international jury judging films in Documentary Films – Competition is obliged to award following prizes:

• Best Documentary Film and 5,000 USD (the financial award goes to the director of the award-winning film). This award may not be conferred ex-aequo.

The Documentary Jury may also award one Special Jury Mention, the nature of which will be clearly defined by the Jury.

Rules

• Production of films submitted for participation must have been completed within the 12 (twelve) months prior to the starting date of the Festival; 
• Submitted films must not have been released anywhere in any form (including festival screenings, DVD release, or television or internet broadcast) more than twelve months prior to the starting date of the festival.
• The festival does not accept submissions of short and medium-length films (up to 60 minutes). 

Documents and Other Requisite Items

• Complete the online Film Entry form
• If online screener is not available, send your DVD screener and the printed Film Entry form.

Additional Information

• Filmmakers will get an official entry form only if film is selected;
• Unless negotiated otherwise, costs related to the transportation of the print, promotional materials and insurance from the country of origin to the Customs Office in Prague are the responsibility of the participant.

Subtitles language: English

Premiere Requirements

World premiere required.

Jury and Organizers

The Selection Committee is headed by Karel Och (artistic director).