Some say it is all about the great films! Others mention the picturesque spa town. Some simply love the Bohemian hospitality, food and drink. And others mention the summer party vibes in the air. So, what makes Karlovy Vary and the annual film festival in the Czech town so special? Most could probably agree that it’s a mix of all of the above.
As has become tradition for many, film industry folks, movie buffs and people simply looking for a good time are getting ready to head to the first big festival of the summer. After all, the 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) awaits. The Czech festival this year runs July 3-11.
Few people know the place as well as Karlovy Vary mayor Andrea Pfeffer Ferklová.
I assume your work across various fields keeps you very busy. How many films do you manage to see during KVIFF? And are there any favorite things you like to do during the festival?
There aren’t many films; after all, during part of the festival, there are still working days. As the mayor of the city and a member of the regional council, I have to attend meetings of their bodies, our press conferences, or maybe I serve as a wedding officiant for an engaged couple. I’m happy if I manage to go to four to five films. I’m definitely always looking forward to the opening and closing films.
