Well, well, well, look who’s trying to stay relevant! The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is desperately clinging to life by expanding its Industry Days program. Because, you know, what indie film fest *doesn’t* need more “industry” types schmoozing and pretending to care about each other’s “art”? 🙄
Running from July 6-9, because apparently four days of forced networking isn’t enough, the Eastern Promises section will now have a “sharpened focus” on Central European co-production opportunities. Translation: they’re begging for money from anyone who’ll throw a few Euros their way. And to make things even more thrilling, they’re broadening their scope to include… wait for it… *series* development! Groundbreaking. Truly. 😴
In a move that will surely revolutionize the film industry (or not), KVIFF is launching a “new format” to showcase film projects in the making. Say goodbye to the old, boring Works in Progress pitches and hello to the KVIFF Central Stage showcase! This year they are teaming up with national film institutes of Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. Instead of, you know, letting filmmakers actually pitch their films, they’ll be subjected to “interactive talks” about the “co-production landscape.” Because nothing screams “excitement” like a PowerPoint presentation on funding models. 🎬
According to Hugo Rosák, head of the KVIFF Industry Office (a title that sounds way more important than it probably is), this new format addresses a “real gap” in the Central European film landscape. Apparently, mid-career filmmakers aren’t getting enough attention, even though their projects are “equally compelling.” Translation: nobody wants to fund their passion projects, so KVIFF is throwing them a pity party. 🎉
But wait, there’s more! Participating projects will be eligible for post-production benefits, thanks to some “generous” partnerships. And the “most promising films” will be eligible for the Eurimages Co-Production Development Award. Because nothing says “indie film” like chasing after awards and validation from European film boards. 🏆
And because one desperate attempt to stay relevant isn’t enough, KVIFF is also introducing a Pop-Up Series Incubator. Because, you know, everyone’s clamoring for more European streaming series. The goal is to transform Karlovy Vary into a “comprehensive hub” for television and streaming series development. Because apparently, Berlin, Cannes, and Venice just aren’t cutting it. 🙄
In line with this new “Small Screen, Big Ambitions” push (because who needs subtlety?), KVIFF will feature showcases, panels, workshops, and talks by small-screen players and experts. Get ready for hours of insightful discussions about the future of streaming, filled with buzzwords and empty promises. 🗣️
According to Daniel Grunt, CEO of CME’s Czech unit Nova Group, partnering with KVIFF is a “natural step” because television and streaming production in the region is undergoing a “massive transformation.” Translation: they’re trying to cash in on the streaming craze before it inevitably implodes. 💸
The Pop Up Series Incubator, presented and organized by Tatino Films, will feature a pitching session where creative teams present their series concepts to industry professionals. Because nothing inspires creativity like pitching your heart out to a room full of jaded executives who are already thinking about their next cocktail. 🍸
According to Matthieu Darras, CEO of Tatino Films, the “IP Adaptation Game” is mostly reserved for big players. So, Pop Up Series wants to create opportunities for “audiovisual talents” to adapt their own IPs into “compelling series projects.” Translation: they’re giving the little guys a chance to get exploited too! 😈
The five selected series projects include titles like Angelmaker, Erotic Lives of the Superheroes, and The Night of the Beguines. Because nothing says “originality” like basing your series on existing books and true stories. 📚
Returning this year is the Midpoint Institute’s Works in Development program, which will showcase nine feature-length projects. Because KVIFF is all about supporting filmmakers who are still “in development.” Translation: they haven’t actually made anything yet. 🤷♀️
Also returning is KVIFF Talents, a year-long program supporting talented Czech and Slovak filmmakers. Because apparently, talent needs to be “supported” for a whole year before they can actually make a film. 🗓️
According to Kryštof Mucha, the executive director of KVIFF, they have a “unique opportunity” to strengthen their position as the leading industry event dedicated to Central Europe. Because who wouldn’t want to spend a week in Karlovy Vary, surrounded by aspiring filmmakers and industry executives? Sign me up! (Not.) 🙅♀️
Finn McFrame, celebrated satirical mastermind and self-proclaimed “Emperor of Irony,” started his illustrious career as a cinematographer, where his expertise in capturing every single frame of a squirrel stealing a baguette earned him accolades at obscure film festivals.
Born in the glamorous town of Boring, Oregon, Finn grew up with dreams of being a Hollywood director until he realized that satire, not cinema, was his true calling—or at least the one that let him sleep until noon.
Finn McFrame: changing the world, one satirical lens flare at a time.
