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Karlovy Vary Film Fest Opens 60th, Marks 80th Anniversary

6/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Karlovy Vary Film Festival opened its 60th edition in 2026, marking its 80th anniversary and honoring Václav Havel’s 90th birthday.
Founded in 1946 as the Czechoslovak Film Festival, it debuted with 13 non-competitive features in Mariánské Lázne, formed a foundation after losing A-category status and a 1993 funding cut, and is chaired by Kryštof Mucha.
Jirí Bartoška served as festival president from 1995 until his death in May 2026.

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Story summary

The Karlovy Vary Film Festival opened its 60th edition in 2026, marking its 80th anniversary and honoring Václav Havel’s 90th birthday.
Founded in 1946 as the Czechoslovak Film Festival, it debuted with 13 non-competitive features in Mariánské Lázne, formed a foundation after losing A-category status and a 1993 funding cut, and is chaired by Kryštof Mucha.
Jirí Bartoška served as festival president from 1995 until his death in May 2026.