The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival unveiled the official program for its 59th installment, and festival artistic director Karel Och expressed that this year’s lineup presents a thrilling showcase of the wide-ranging artistry found within modern independent cinematography.
1. He stated that movie creators courageously defend the liberty to defy assumptions, shatter clichés, and captivate audiences with equal fervor, all while simultaneously stirring thoughts and emotions. Furthermore, they strive to expand limits while always maintaining a vital link between their films and viewers.
2. He emphasized that filmmakers boldly uphold the freedom to break conventions, challenge preconceived notions, and move audiences deeply, both intellectually and emotionally, at the same time. They aim to test boundaries yet never lose sight of the crucial bond between a movie and its viewers.
3. He underscored that filmmakers bravery defend the ability to surprise expectations, break stereotypes, and enthrall hearts and minds with equal passion. In addition, they work tirelessly to stretch limits while always considering the essential relationship between a film and its audience.
4. He accentuated that movie creators fearlessly safeguard the license to confound assumptions, dismantle stereotypes, and engage audiences on multiple levels—emotionally, intellectually, and socially. Moreover, they endeavor to challenge limits while never neglecting the connection between a film and its viewers.
5. He highlighted that filmmakers valiantly preserve the power to subvert expectations, undermine stereotypes, and win over audiences with equal conviction. They strive for innovation while always keeping in mind the critical link between their films and spectators.
As a film enthusiast, I’m excited to share that out of the typical dozen films competing for the Crystal Globe, eleven titles were unveiled recently. The last one on the list is from Iran, but due to safety concerns regarding its creators, it seems we’ll have to wait a bit longer for its official announcement – closer to the festival itself.
och declared that the festival has consistently tackled political matters via compelling personal narratives, wholeheartedly advocating for artists and their right to free expression.
Globe of Crystal Competition
Film “Cinema Jazireh”
Director: Gözde Kural
Countries: Turkey, Iran, Bulgaria, Romania
Year: 2025
Duration: 124 minutes
Premiere Status: World premiere
In the oppressive Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, Leila is driven by one purpose – to locate her son Omid. Living in a society where women are worthless, her journey seems nearly impossible. Yet, she resorts to an extreme and perilous plan. She alters her identity drastically and embarks on a path fraught with danger, where any moment of doubt could mean certain death. Turkish director Gözde Kural uses her understanding of Afghan society to narrate a tale of oppression, forcing people into roles – be it assumed masculinity or enforced femininity – that they would never accept in a free nation.
Divia”
Director: Dmytro Hreshko
Countries: Poland, Ukraine, Netherlands, U.S., 2025
Running Time: 79 minutes
World Premiere
This documentary offers a haunting exploration that sheds light on Russia’s aggression towards Ukrainian soil and its devastating effects on silent accusers like forests charred to ashes, fields scarred by explosions, flooded towns, and rusted relics of military equipment in destroyed regions where life has seemingly vanished. Yet, nature persists, mirroring our own resilience. While one side brings destruction, another – demining teams, people searching for remains, ecologists – assess the aftermath of the catastrophe and work to revitalize fragile Ukrainian ecosystems amidst ongoing conflict. The horizon continues to rumble ominously in the background.
Children Faring Well” (Out of Love)
Director: Nathan Ambrosioni
Country: France, 2025
Runtime: 1 hour, 51 minutes
World Premiere
After a long absence, Suzanne and her two children make an unforeseen visit to the home of her sister Jeanne. It initially appears that Suzanne is cautiously trying to rebuild her relationship with her sister. However, this facade crumbles with the break of dawn: Suzanne has disappeared… In Nathan Ambrosioni’s intimately crafted film, we witness a woman who is thrust into the role of mothering children she barely knows. His minimalistic yet deeply compassionate storytelling allows us to observe the gradual process of bonding, the fears and uncertainties of this new family, and the absurdities of a broken system. This film serves as a poignant reflection on the delicate nature of cohabitation born out of necessity, and the strength it can exhibit when forged from love.
Jimmy Jaguar”
Director: Bence Fliegauf
Country: Hungary, 2025
Duration: 112 minutes
Premiere Status: World premiere
In the movie “Jimmy Jaguar,” also known as Jagu, we encounter a demonic entity that transfers from one soul to another, unleashing a sinister force within each host. However, it’s not clear whose vengeance is being exacted or why the victims seem to share an unsettling similarity – they are all marked by a mysterious and inexplicable quality: “It is against the law to kill them.”
The film takes place across the vast, desolate plains of Hungary where an oppressive silence hangs over the landscape. Beneath this silence lies a multitude of secrets. Listen carefully, and you might hear the silence vibrate with menace or catch whispers of a hidden past. Or perhaps it’s the demon calling – for Jimmy Jaguar needs us all.
When a River Flows into the Sea (2025)
Director: Pere Vilà Barceló
Country: Spain, Runtime: 180 minutes, World Premiere
After a span of thirteen years, filmmaker Pere Vilà Barceló returns to the Crystal Globe Competition with an unflinching, self-reflective exploration of a girl’s soul who has been sexually abused. The protagonist of his sixth film is Gaia, a young archaeology student, whose life and relationships are indelibly stamped by a harrowing incident. At first, Gaia struggles to express her situation, let alone find the strength to discuss it. Yet, as time passes – much like an archaeological excavation – she starts unearthing fragments of her past in an attempt to rebuild her life. The Catalan filmmaker has skillfully portrayed this complex situation by focusing on the authentic process of healing from trauma, a journey that cannot be hastened.
Preferably Go Crazy in the Wilderness” – In this unique film by Miro Remo, set in 2025 and lasting 77 minutes, we explore the intriguing question of whether one can live their entire life in a single place. This thought-provoking theme is loosely based on the book by Aleš Palán and Jan Šibík. The Klišík twins, František and Ondřej, have made the unyielding decision to stay put, living their seemingly eccentric lives in a way that harks back to simpler times. Are they mad or magnetic storytellers? As we peer into their world through the lens of modern civilization, it appears absurd, yet within their genuine enchantment of nature, they offer us all a chance to find our creative inspiration, for those who sometimes grow weary of conforming to societal norms.
2025 Film Premiere: “Rebuilding” – Director Max Walker-Silverman (USA)
Running Time: 95 Minutes
Genre: Drama/Family
Three years after his lyrical romance “A Love Song”, director Max Walker-Silverman invites us back to his hometown, Colorado. We meet Dusty (Josh O’Connor), a quiet man whose ranch was destroyed in a tragic wildfire. On the journey to rebuild his life, will he find solace in the community that shares his hardship? Could this be an opportunity to mend his strained relationship with his daughter who lives nearby? This moving tale of resilience and the power of community during trying times is as captivating and emotionally engaging as Walker-Silverman’s belief in human kindness.
Broken Voices”
Director: Ondřej Provazník
Country: Czech Republic and Slovak Republic (2025)
Running Time: 104 minutes
World Premiere
Set in the early 90s, the movie revolves around Karolína, a promising 13-year-old singer with an extraordinary talent. She is offered a spot in a renowned girls’ choir, joining her elder sister and other competitors within the ensemble. The story seems to echo the infamous Bambini di Praga case as well as other tragic encounters between innocence and abusive power structures.
In this film devoid of sensationalism, Provazník showcases a remarkable balance of humility and empathy towards his young cast, portraying an elite environment where ambition for prestige often coincides with premature maturity.
Don’t Address Me as Mama” (Original “Se meg”)
Director: Nina Knag
Country: Norway
Year: 2025
Runtime: 108 minutes
Premiere Status: World premiere
In this moving drama, Eva, a well-respected teacher and the wife of the local mayor, finds herself in a predicament after discovering her husband’s infidelity. Despite this betrayal, she decides to aid his election campaign. To do so, she begins volunteering at a nearby refugee center. There, she forms a unique bond with 18-year-old refugee Amir, who captivates her with his poetic abilities. However, as their relationship deepens, Eva finds herself losing control over the situation. “Don’t Address Me as Mama” presents its characters with a moral dilemma while delving provocatively into the complexities of how hypocrisy can disguise itself as kindness. With her extensive casting experience, director Nina Knag elicits exceptional performances from actors Pia Tjelta, Kristoffer Joner, and Tarek Zayat.
The Visitor (Svečias)
Director: Vytautas Katkus
Origin: Lithuania, Norway, Sweden
Release Year: 2025
Running Time: 1 hour 51 minutes
Premiere Status: World premiere
Towards the end of summer, Danielius – a father in his mid-thirties residing in Norway – embarks on a journey to his homeland Lithuania. His objective is to sell his parents’ former residence. However, his attempts to rekindle old friendships meet with disappointment, as the once unbreakable bonds have been shattered. Instead of hastily returning to his young family to evade the oppressive loneliness, he opts to stay put, surrendering himself to solitude. In his maiden full-length feature film, director and cinematographer Vytautas Katkus skillfully extends upon his short filmmaking experiences, mastering the authentic space shared by both himself and the characters. He also employs a flexible interpretation of time, creating an atmosphere where time appears to have stood still, illuminating the vulnerability of the human spirit and evoking images of a dwelling that is no longer ours.
A Luminous Life”
Director: João Rosas
Countries: Portugal, France
Year: 2025
Duration: 99 minutes
Premiere: International
Springtime is here and Nicolau, now 24 years old, finds little joy in the idea of a grand celebration. He’s starting to feel that his ambition to become a professional musician might be crumbling, he’s still living with his parents, and he misses his ex-girlfriend deeply. Despite his lethargy, life offers him chances to regain control, to seize the day once more. With his first full-length film – a Lisbon story bathed in sunlight that echoes the carefree innocence of youth reminiscent of Rohmer’s works – João Rosas continues not only from his short films “Entrecampos” (2012), “Maria do Mar” (2015) and “Catavento” (2020), which portrayed Nicolau’s childhood and adolescence, but also the legacy left by earlier Portuguese auteur filmmakers.
As I follow the path back home to my humble village nestled in the Peruvian Andes, I find myself confronted by an unfamiliar world. The 18th century has morphed into the present day before my very eyes. The ideals of the revolution I once fought for seem to have vanished, replaced by the struggles of modern-day Peru. “The Anatomy of the Horses,” directed by Daniel Vidal Toche, invites me on a captivating voyage through the fabric of space and time. This journey serves as a platform for Toche to ponder whether the fight against oppression and exploitation in Peru will ever reach its end. Through the characters of Ángel and Eustaquia, who is searching for her sister, he also raises questions about whether revolutionary thought should be considered a relic of the past.
Before/After” (2025) – Director: Manoël Dupont, Belgium
Running Time: 80 minutes
Premiere: World premiere
Synopsis: Jérémy and Baptiste, two men with a mutual problem of receding hairlines, meet by chance but soon discover their shared yearning for self-acceptance. Their adventure to Istanbul for hair transplants transforms into an unexpectedly intimate journey where they not only gain new hair but also foster a delicate friendship. Dupont’s directorial debut showcases the characters with empathetic detachment, appreciating fine details and incorporating witty dialogue. The film subtly delves into themes of queer identity, vulnerability, and human intimacy. As the duo navigates through Istanbul, their search for perfection in imperfect things underscores the essence of their quest.
In “Before/After,” Jérémy and Baptiste, two men with a common issue of hair loss, meet unexpectedly yet find solace in their shared desire for self-acceptance. Their journey to Istanbul for transplants evolves into an intimate experience where they develop a fragile bond alongside new head of hair. Director Manoël Dupont’s debut film captures the characters with empathy and attention to detail, using humorous dialogue. The movie explores themes like queer identity, vulnerability, and human connection while highlighting their search for perfection in less-than-perfect aspects of life. The pair’s exploration through Istanbul emphasizes the journey’s essence: seeking beauty in the imperfect.
As I, an eager cinema enthusiast, pen my thoughts, let me share my anticipation for the film titled “Ayspes asatc qamin,” directed by the talented Maria Rigel, set to premiere in 2025. This captivating piece hails from the heart of Armenia and runs a gripping 92 minutes.
The story revolves around Hayk, a quiet child who resides with his aunt Narine in a secluded Armenian village. Although Narine treats him like her own son, Hayk struggles to connect with the local teenagers, who seem determined to mold him into their tough-skinned image. The arrival of Anahit, Hayk’s mother, from her prolonged stint abroad disrupts the traditional order of the village with her striking looks and rebellious spirit, eventually igniting a conflict that leaves everyone unprepared.
This enigmatic film, experienced through the eyes of a child compelled to mature prematurely, is deeply influenced by the omnipresent theme of wind. Its whispers create an undercurrent of tension in a society becoming increasingly radicalized, while its cries foretell the unavoidable consequences of human emotions running wild and free.
Sand City”
Director: Mahde Hasan
Country: Bangladesh, 2024
Runtime: 99 minutes
World Premiere
Two strangers, Emma and Hasan, share an unusual bond – they are both sand thieves. While one uses it for kitty litter, the other crafts homemade glass. Their lives take a drastic turn when they stumble upon a severed finger, leading them to understand that the human mind can be as fragile as glass. William Blake once spoke of seeing the entire universe in a grain of sand, and the passage of time, infinity, and eternity within the confines of one’s hand. In his debut film, Bangladeshi director Mahde Hasan breathes life into these words, casting them across Dhaka until they become an integral part of his characters’ lives. The film offers a grim depiction of a sand-filled city, interwoven with a poignant, stylistically elegant elegy on the ebb and flow of time, personal privacy, destruction, and the emotional landscapes of our inner selves.
2024 International Premiere: “Forenses” (Forensics) – Director: Federico Atehortúa Arteaga, Colombia, 91 minutes
The signing of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the FARC rebels in 2016 resulted in the establishment of the Search Unit for Missing Persons. This unit was crucial for the nation’s reconstruction, as finding and identifying the missing played a significant role in shaping Colombia’s identity. This experimental documentary combines three narratives: a female director investigating the life of a deceased transgender woman through film, an exploration of the director’s personal family history involving a missing relative, and the testimony of forensic pathologist Karen Quintero. This thought-provoking piece skillfully blends personal stories with political issues, offering profound insights into the region’s character, cartography, and the suppressed traumas of Colombia’s modern history.
Futuro Futuro” (Future Future)
Director: Davi Pretto
Country: Brazil, Year: 2025
Running Time: 86 minutes
Premiere: World premiere
In his fourth film, director Davi Pretto transports us into a not-too-distant future where rapid advancements in artificial intelligence have led to a surge of neurological issues. Our 40-year-old protagonist, K, grapples with memory loss and can’t recall his origins. This lost soul embarks on a quest to discover his true identity, which unfolds as an absurdly tragic odyssey through an unnamed city. The film reflects the class divide in contemporary Brazil and addresses environmental concerns, while using AI creatively within its narrative. The end product is thought-provoking, engaging, and most certainly serves as a warning.
Why’s Everything So Green Out Here?” (A Reflection on Time, Family, and Memory)
Director: Nikola Ležaić
Countries: Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria
Year: 2025
Running time: 114 minutes
Type: World Premiere
Synopsis: Nikola, a commercial director at 34 and about to become a father for the first time, harbors dreams of embarking on a road trip with his young family in an old van he plans to transform into a camper. However, during a weekend journey accompanying his father and extended family to a small village in Dalmatia, where his grandmother’s remains will be buried, Nikola finds himself drawn to the past rather than focusing on the future. Although no extraordinary events transpire during the trip, Nikola Ležaić’s second, semi-autobiographical work masterfully delves into complex family relationships that have been affected by the passage of time and communication gaps. In a unique manner, the film serves as an introspection on recollections, memory, and post-Yugoslav reality.
Beyond the Summer’s Veil
Director: Vojtěch Strakatý
Countries: Czech Republic, Croatia
Year: 2025
Running Time: 85 minutes
World Premiere
In the heart of a tranquil lake lies an isolated island, devoid of any remarkable promise. Sisters Bětka and Marie, along with their friend Alma, choose to spend their summer here. Their days pass languidly, like the water itself. However, an impromptu visit to the island sets in motion a transformation, not just of the environment around them but also within their hearts… Vojtěch Strakatý’s second film is a tender exploration of girlhood, dreams of other worlds, and the delicate pursuit of happiness, which might reside somewhere else or simply be an illusion. In a serene Bohemian summer where the hum of insects harmonizes with the whispering wind, we bear witness to their friendship as something elusive and half-remembered. The only certainty is that beyond the veil of summer lies its end.
Action Item” (Action Point)
Director: Paula Ďurinová
Country: Slovak Republic, Czech Republic, Germany
Year: 2025
Duration: 69 minutes
Premiere: World premiere
Paula Ďurinová presents her second film titled “Action Item,” following the success of her debut documentary “Lapilli.” This time, she delves into a different yet equally sensitive topic. Set in Berlin, this activist-themed exploration of burnout employs a blend of observational storytelling and experimental montage. The film challenges societal myths about individualism while authentically portraying moments of solidarity among individuals unafraid to discuss their fears. This is a deeply personal yet universally human film, urging viewers to pause in our fast-paced world where burnout can be a new start rather than an end, as personal struggles gradually morph into the strength of collective sharing.
Rain Falls on Uncharted Ground” (Director: Steffen Goldkamp, Germany, 2025, 85 min, World premiere)
Following his release from juvenile detention, David endeavors to rebuild his life and seize new opportunities. Yet, society’s unwillingness to forget his past crime record and reluctance to offer him a second chance create barriers that threaten to derail his progress. Will David manage his growing sense of frustration or will he be drawn back into the world of criminal activity? This is the exploration presented in Steffen Goldkamp’s feature debut, which employs meticulous direction, an intricate atmosphere, and a subtle understanding of its protagonist on the fringe of society. Noah Sayenko delivers a captivating portrayal in the lead role.
Renovation
Director: Gabrielė Urbonaitė
Countries: Lithuania, Latvia, Belgium
Year: 2025
Runtime: 90 minutes
Premiere: World
At the age of 29, Ilona and her partner have recently moved into a new apartment within a building that is due for renovation. When she forms a friendship with Oleg, one of the Ukrainian construction workers, her dreams of a satisfying life as she approaches 30 begin to unravel, mirroring the peeling plaster on the walls. Gabrielė Urbonaitė’s debut feature offers a compelling, contemporary depiction of millennials who are simultaneously exposed to modernity, boundless opportunities, and the relentless pressure to excel in Western Europe, while still grappling with the lingering traumas inherited from their Soviet Union upbringing. These shadows continue to cast their influence over current political events.
TrepaNation”
Director: Ammar al-Beik
Countries: Syria, Germany, France
Year: 2025
Runtime: 222 minutes
Premiere: World
Origin: Germany (September 2014)
In the outskirts of Berlin, a Syrian refugee camp has been established. Assigned a cubicle for seven months, visual artist and filmmaker Ammar al-Beik finds himself in a situation where he must survive by creating, recording, and challenging the constraints of life in exile as well as the traditional rules of documentaries and features. His phone camera is always on, turning his small room and the entire grim camp into a unique universe with its own rules.
Over a decade of editing, Ammar al-Beik’s powerful film emerges. This intense autobiography intertwines with the history of Europe and the Middle East, as well as the annals of cinema. Accompanied by memorable individuals, all searching for freedom and truth like Ammar al-Beik himself, this innovative cinematic work provides a poignant exploration of displacement and identity.
Emergence from Margo”
Director: Alexandros Voulgaris
Country: Greece, 2025
Running time: 91 minutes
World Premiere
This film is a blend of tender horror and experimental melodrama. Categorizing this unconventional cinematic journey feels inadequate. Greek director and musician Alexandros Voulgaris, also known as The Boy, offers an unusually intimate and powerfully expressive portrayal of an artist on the cusp of middle age.
Margo, a once-famous songwriter who now secludes herself in her apartment, serves as the embodiment of all fears, anxieties, and hopes. A birthday party, held unknowingly to celebrate her 40th year, and the emotions that arise unexpectedly, aid Margo in transitioning to a new phase of her life.
EXCLUSIVE PRESENTATIONS
Movie “Dragonfly”
Directed by: Paul Andrew Williams
Location: U.K., 2025, Running Time: 98 minutes, First Appearance in Europe
Elsie, a fragile 80-year-old woman, and Colleen, a lively individual of similar age, live side by side yet apart, in the quiet English town they call home. Their lives are characterized by solitude until one day they become aware of each other’s existence, leading to an unexpected friendship. However, their bond stirs unease among their once indifferent community. Director Paul Andrew Williams explains, “I aimed to narrate a story about those often overlooked in society.” He sought to create a world that is both atmospheric and uncertain, one that would encourage viewers to reconsider their perceptions of others. Two renowned British actresses, Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough, take on roles unlike any you’ve seen them in before.
Duchoň”
Director: Peter Bebjak
Country: Slovak Republic, Czech Republic
Year: 2025
Duration: 99 minutes
Premiere Status: World premiere
Known for hits like “Czardas of Two Hearts,” “In the Slovak Valleys,” and “I Love You,” pop singer Karol Duchoň became a household name over four decades ago. Now, a new generation is rediscovering this icon from the “Czechoslovak Tom Jones” era outside of his prime time. Director Peter Bebjak (“The Line,” “Nineties”) delivers a compelling portrait that demonstrates how auteur cinema and popular appeal can harmoniously coexist in a single, engaging project.
The film’s narrative is based on the stage play by Jiří Havelka and Róbert Mankovecký, titled “The Earth Remembers” (Zem pamätá), and it offers a poignant reflection of the Normalization era without being overly judgmental, yet subtly ironic.
Hore je nebo, v doline som ja” (I’ll Be Fine)
Director: Katarína Gramatová
Country: Slovak Republic and Czech Republic, 2024
Runtime: 93 min
Premiere: European premiere
Fifteen-year-old Enrique, often called Eňo by his friends, spends the summer with his grandmother. Despite occasional visits from his mother Martina who works far away, Eńo yearns for her to take him back home with her soon. However, communication with his mother diminishes, and her absence is filled by gossip about her from the villagers. Determined to uncover the truth, Enrique embarks on an investigation. Similar to her short film “A Good Mind Grows in Thorny Places” (2024), director Katarína Gramatová’s first feature film is set in the gloomy village of Utekáč where the peeling walls of the houses reflect the somber present-day reality of Slovakia. The main roles are skillfully portrayed by non-actors, local inhabitants from the Slovak valley, who seem to live a world away from the sky above them.
As I sit here, penning my thoughts on “All That’s Left of You,” a riveting masterpiece by Director Cherien Dabis, I find myself transported to the tumultuous landscape of the West Bank in 1988. The story unfolds before us, a poignant account of seven decades in the life of an uprooted Palestinian family, tracing their journey back to 1948 when the forced displacement began.
This is no tale of retribution or blame; instead, it offers a heartrending portrayal of a family’s resilience and dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity. The narrative freezes momentarily, and with a mix of fervor and anguish, the mother addresses us, the silent witnesses to the dark chapters of the past century. She recounts their story, a tale as old as time yet as fresh as yesterday’s headlines.
In sharing this story with wisdom and an unusual captivating charm, “All That’s Left of You” resonates deeply, striking a chord in the hearts of all who bear witness to its powerful narrative. This European premiere is not just a movie; it’s a testament to enduring hope, a beacon in the darkness, and a reminder that stories, like this one, must never be forgotten.
Journey in the Caravan”
Director: Zuzana Kirchnerová
Countries: Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Italy
Year: 2025
Running Time: 102 minutes
At 45 years old, Ester has spent her life caring for her son David, who has an intellectual disability. A planned trip to stay with friends in Italy offers a chance to break free from the monotonous routine, but the challenges of raising David persist even in a new setting. In a moment of impulse, Ester decides to take their old caravan, initially intended for holidays, and uses it as a means to seek freedom. The journey through beautiful Italy becomes healing for both of them. Beneath the surface, Ester may rediscover a part of herself that deserves not just to give love, but also to receive it. This intimate road movie, marking the return of Czech feature films to Cannes after over 30 years, is characterized by warmth and raw honesty as it delves into themes of body, soul, freedom, resignation, hope, and powerlessness.
2001’s Summer School: A Debut
Directed by Duzan Duong, this film unfolds in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, lasting 102 minutes, and premiering worldwide for the first time in 2025. This groundbreaking Czech-Vietnamese feature offers a genuine portrayal of a community deeply rooted in contemporary Czech history. Duzan Duong, a remarkable talent from the pioneering Vietnamese generation raised in the Czech Republic, takes the helm as director.
Fast forward to 2025, Kien, a 17-year-old with striking red hair, returns to his family’s market stall in Cheb after a decade spent in Vietnam. Despite his expectations of a warm welcome, he encounters a strained father, a worn-out mother, and a younger brother who offers no understanding. Through humor and insight, this narrative delves into cross-generational conflicts and much more, serving as a touching and daring benchmark in the discourse on cultural identity.
Czech Film Perspectives”)
Directors: Marek Novák, Mikuláš Novotný
Country: Czech Republic, Year: 2025
Duration: 83 minutes
Premiere: World premiere
Description: In 1982, at the Cannes Film Festival, Wim Wenders gathered esteemed filmmakers in a hotel room for a discussion about the future of cinema. This intimate documentary, titled “Room 666,” sparked curiosity among two Czech producers who decided to replicate the concept in collaboration with the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. During last year’s festival, they invited around 30 Czech or Czech-based filmmakers from various generations and posed the question: “What makes Czech film, Czech?” The result is an engaging collage not just of viewpoints and opinions, but also of unique personalities and distinctive styles.
A Second Life”
Director: Laurent Slama (France, 2024) – Running Time: 74 minutes – European Premiere
As the Olympic Games kick off in Paris, creating a palpable buzz throughout the city, Elisabeth navigates its streets with a mix of excitement and apprehension. She is an Airbnb broker, and this day, in particular, is crucial due to the influx of visitors. Elisabeth feels drained not only from her hectic schedule shuttling between clients but also from the stress imposed by her job demands. However, a serene moment arrives when she encounters a man named Elijah. “A Second Life” is a tribute to friendship, an urban folktale, and a near-documentary depiction of a city consumed by a major sporting event. The raw authenticity of the main characters’ experiences is underscored by an intense soundtrack that seems to let us experience Elisabeth’s world, a world where she grapples not only with professional challenges but also with her hearing impairment.
In the role of a viewer, I’m excited to share my perspective on “Tehran, Kenarat” (Another View of Tehran), directed by Ali Behrad. This captivating film hails from Iran and the U.K., running for 92 minutes and marking its European premiere in 2025.
From the outset at their friends’ wedding, it’s clear that Leili and Pasha had a past together. However, something tore them apart. The story unfolds in flashbacks, revealing their romance had an explosive start, yet Pasha’s injuries didn’t diminish their mutual attraction. Despite his burns and concussion, they deepened their connection, transitioning from initial infatuation to a more serious stage where tougher choices were needed than just deciding on dinner. And that’s when the separation occurred…
Ali Behrad’s second feature film offers a delightful blend of genres, providing a vivid portrayal of Tehran and its resilient inhabitants. Despite challenging political circumstances, their spirit remains unyielding, adding to the film’s allure.
The juries for the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival are as follows:
CRYSTAL GLOBE JURY
– Nicolás Celis, a prominent Mexican producer known for his work on Oscar-winning “Roma” by Alfonso Cuarón. He is also a significant figure in Latin America’s film industry, having produced films for directors like Tatiana Huezo, Amat Escalante, and Jacques Audiard.
– Babak Jalali, an Iranian filmmaker, screenwriter, and producer whose second feature “Radio Dreams” won the Tiger Award at Rotterdam Film Festival in 2016. His film “Fremont” earned him best director at KVIFF 2023 and the John Cassavetes Award at the Independent Spirit Awards.
– Jessica Kiang, a respected film critic, essayist, and programmer who has contributed to various publications such as EbMaster, Sight & Sound, Criterion, Mubi, the New York Times, the LA Times, the Washington Post, Film Comment, and Rolling Stone. She is currently a member of the selection committee for the Berlinale.
– Jiří Mádl, one of the Czech Republic’s most popular actors who has now ventured into writing and directing. His third directorial effort “Waves” won the audience award at KVIFF 2024 and was shortlisted for the Academy Award for best international feature film.
– Tuva Novotny, a highly successful actor from the Nordic region who has worked with filmmakers like Lars von Trier, Bent Hamer, Alex Garland, and Tobias Lindholm. Her writing/directing debut premiered in San Sebastian’s official selection.
As a cinephile, I’d rephrase the given text as follows:
I, being an Indonesian producer, frequently have my films showcased at prestigious film festivals such as Cannes (“Tiger Stripes” and “Renoir”), Venice (“Autobiography”), and San Sebastian (“Last Shadow at First Light”).
I’m Noaz Deshe, a Romanian director residing in Mexico. My debut feature film, “White Shadow,” won the best debut award at Venice in 2013. Last year, my film “Xoftex” was screened at KVIFF in the Crystal Globe Competition, earning me a special jury mention.
I’m Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Arias, a Dominican director. My debut film, “Cocote,” won the Golden Leopard in the Signs of Life program at Locarno, and my latest film, “Pepe,” was chosen for last year’s Berlinale competition, where it received a Silver Bear for best director.
I’m Jakub Felcman, a Czech screenwriter, festival organizer, film journalist, creative producer, and trained plumber. I have served as a script editor on films by Jan Němec, Petr Václav, Radu Jude, and Corneliu Porumboiu.
Lastly, I’m Marissa Frobes, an agent in the media finance department at CAA. I specialize in packaging and sales of independently financed films. I have supported the packaging or sales of numerous projects including “The Brutalist” and “Rebuilding” (Crystal Globe Competition at this year’s KVIFF), among many others.
Read More
- 50 Goal Sound ID Codes for Blue Lock Rivals
- Quarantine Zone: The Last Check Beginner’s Guide
- 50 Ankle Break & Score Sound ID Codes for Basketball Zero
- Ultimate Myth Idle RPG Tier List & Reroll Guide
- Lucky Offense Tier List & Reroll Guide
- Mirren Star Legends Tier List [Global Release] (May 2025)
- Every House Available In Tainted Grail: The Fall Of Avalon
- Enshrouded Hemotoxin Crisis: How to Disable the Curse and Save Your Sanity!
- Basketball Zero Boombox & Music ID Codes – Roblox
- How to use a Modifier in Wuthering Waves
2025-06-03 12:22