Whether it is the adoring fans, the Bohemian food, drink and spirit, the picturesque setting, the mix of auteur cinema and star appreciation, the summer party atmosphere in the evenings or all of the above, one thing is for certain: The biggest stars and behind-the-camera names from Hollywood and beyond have journeyed to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), and they always genuinely enjoy their time and experience at the big Czech fest. “It’s a breathtaking festival,” Viggo Mortensen told a big festival crowd in 2024, for example. “I had no idea it would be like this, but I knew about the great reputation that Karlovy Vary has. It’s a true and important celebration of cinema.”
And just last year, Dakota Johnson expressed her appreciation and gratitude for her invitation to KVIFF. “This looks like Disneyland. It’s crazy here. It’s so beautiful,” she told reporters about the picturesque Czech spa town. “I just couldn’t feel more grateful.” And on stage to receive a special honor, the star shared: “I’ve loved it here. I’ve been here for maybe 24 hours, but everyone loves movies.”
Michael Douglas at the 2025 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Escaping from Tinseltown and all that doom mongering about AI and streaming disruption, box office challenges and the rise of YouTube of TikTok for moments that remind them of why they are passionate about cinema may well be one of the big reasons why many a star has made Karlovy Vary a can’t-miss stop on their summer schedule.
