Krystof Mucha Named Chairman of Karlovy Vary Film Festival Group as Position of President Left Unfilled

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Christoph Mucha has taken on the role as chairperson for the board of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Group. Mucha initially became part of the festival staff in 1997, serving as its executive director since 2004.

Rockaway Arts, the main proprietor of the festival, has chosen not to appoint someone to replace Jiří Bartoška, who was the festival president and passed away last Thursday, leaving the position empty for now.

For the upcoming 59th installment, Rockaway Arts Festival intends to maintain the principles and high standard set by its president throughout the years. The event will continue to be steered by a robust and consistent leadership team, with Kryštof Mucha serving as executive director. The role of president will remain vacant in tribute to Jiri Bartoska, who passed away.

As a follower of Rockaway Arts, I’d like to express our deep sadness over the loss of one of culture’s most significant figures. However, I want to assure everyone that we remain committed to maintaining the exceptional quality that Jiří Bartoška and his team have always brought to the Karlovy Vary festival.

Karel Och, the artistic director, and Petr Lintimer, the head of production, continue to be part of the leadership team for the festival.

For several years, I’ve been privileged to collaborate with Jiří Bartoška, gaining insights into his thoughts and vision for the festival. I am confident that, alongside Karel Och and Petr Lintimer, we can build upon his achievements and honor his legacy.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that Rockaway Arts is an exciting collaboration between Jakub Havrlant, founder of Rockaway Capital, and Karel Komárek, the brainchild behind the KKCG group. In 2021, when the pandemic had put many cultural events in a delicate balance, Rockaway Arts (previously under Rockaway Capital) took on the majority stake at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. This move not only solidified its presence but also demonstrated a commitment to keeping the magic of cinema alive during challenging times.

Additionally, Karel Komárek, a good friend of Bartoška and a prominent figure in culture who has long supported the KVIFF, later joined Rockaway Arts. This collaboration significantly contributed to Rockaway Arts becoming a cultural hub that assists in organizing significant events like the KVIFF, as well as other events such as Colours of Ostrava and Designblok.

Komárek stated, “For the past three decades, Jiří Bartoška has been instrumental in creating one of Europe‘s most significant film festivals. He achieved this through his unique vision and the talented team he skillfully brought together. Therefore, we believe it fitting to keep the president’s position linked with his name as a way of recognizing a key figure in Czech culture and safeguarding his legacy.

Havrlant determined that “Control of the festival stays with a seasoned and organized group, who have a distinct plan for what lies ahead. As proprietors, it’s our responsibility to maintain the festival’s longevity and establish foundations for future expansion.

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2025-05-14 01:06