As John Malkovich watched clips selected from all his films and received the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema, everyone including myself, held their breath in anticipation of this year's winner of the festival's Official Selection in Competition.
When Marek Eben announced the name of the winner being the Belgian-Canadian co-production Un ange à la mer (Angel at Sea), my tip for the winner, I was especially pleased. The film is a real artistic masterpiece and will leave you moved for several hours after you leave the cinema. Olivier Gourmet also won the Best Actor award for the role of the manic-depressive father and shared the award with Paul Giamatti for his role in Cold Souls.
The Iranian film Bist (Twenty), a story about employees of an eatery in Iran, who have twenty days to sort out their lives, before its closure was awarded a special mention by the jury, a decision I respect the jury for.
Marko Škop's Osadné, which tells the story of a small village in east Slovakia and the struggles of an Orthodox priest, the village's long-serving mayor and a Ruthenian activist and their journey to Brussels, won the best documentary over 30 minutes award.
The winner of the special section characteristic for the Karlovy Vary festival East of the West was Poltory komnaty ili sentimentalnoje putěšestvije na rodinu (Room and a Half).
Paprika Steen was awarded a the best actress award for her intense performance as an actress trying to overcome an alcohol addiction in Applause, a film by the Danish director Martin Pieter Zandvliet.
The audience award went, as expected, to the lightly humorous Sipur Gadol (A Matter of Size), which Eva Zaoralová, the fest's artistic director, said is a movie that perhaps interests the audience as they themselves solve similar problems in their everyday lives.
What a festival it has been and there's much more to come in our special report in the next issue of the Prague Monitor Magazine.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Day nine: Banderas and a goodbye
The biggest star to walk the red carpet on Friday arrived in Karlovy Vary in good humour and gave smiles all around to the crowds that were waiting for him for more than two hours in the rain, all just to catch a glimpse of the famous actor: Antonio Banderas.
Earlier that day, replying to a question about one of the roles that brought him his current fame, Zoro, he smiled and said, "I knew it would be a pretty big thing when Stephen Spielberg asked me whether I know the character during an Oscar night back in 1994. I said yes. Than he asked me if I wanted to play the part. I said yes. It was as simple as that," he said smiling.
Starting as a theatre actor, he acted in many Pedro Almodóvar's films. He says the director is a genius, but hard to work with.
He also recalled his stay in Prague in 1992 where he was shooting here for seven months. He remembered the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, Malá Strana asked everyone "Jak se máš?", wished "Dobré odpoledne" and said "díky".
Banderas introduced his film El camino de los ingleses (Summer Rain), which is a coming-of-age story inspired by a Antonio Soler's novel and his own reflections on growing up in Malaga. When asked about the not-so-good reviews it received, Banderas said he just wanted to shoot the story his way and did not think about the critics or how well it did in the box office.
On Friday, as John Malkovich asked how many people saw his The Dancer Upstairs, following a question how many saw the Transformers, making the packed Grand Hall burst out in laughter. Jan Švankmajer received the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema in the stunning atmosphere of the Municipal Theatre from the hands of the festival's president, Jiří Bartoška.
As the festival ends, all that will be left of the fame and glory and the glitter of the stars that walked the red carpet this year will be packed, dismantled, stuffed into boxes and vans, hauled back to Prague and stored for next year.
Nearly 123,000 tickets were sold, tonnes of beer drunk at the Hotel Thermal terrace and the accompanying concerts. Crowds burst out in an uncontrollable laughter during a screening of Black Dynamite and screamed with fear and disgust during Antikrist.
Yet again, it rained, but the weather did not discourage the patient independent film lovers, who used their Festival Daily to shield themselves from the elements.
This might be the last entry of our blog, but look out for our special festival report coming up in the Prague Monitor Magazine.
Earlier that day, replying to a question about one of the roles that brought him his current fame, Zoro, he smiled and said, "I knew it would be a pretty big thing when Stephen Spielberg asked me whether I know the character during an Oscar night back in 1994. I said yes. Than he asked me if I wanted to play the part. I said yes. It was as simple as that," he said smiling.
Starting as a theatre actor, he acted in many Pedro Almodóvar's films. He says the director is a genius, but hard to work with.
He also recalled his stay in Prague in 1992 where he was shooting here for seven months. He remembered the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, Malá Strana asked everyone "Jak se máš?", wished "Dobré odpoledne" and said "díky".
Banderas introduced his film El camino de los ingleses (Summer Rain), which is a coming-of-age story inspired by a Antonio Soler's novel and his own reflections on growing up in Malaga. When asked about the not-so-good reviews it received, Banderas said he just wanted to shoot the story his way and did not think about the critics or how well it did in the box office.
On Friday, as John Malkovich asked how many people saw his The Dancer Upstairs, following a question how many saw the Transformers, making the packed Grand Hall burst out in laughter. Jan Švankmajer received the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema in the stunning atmosphere of the Municipal Theatre from the hands of the festival's president, Jiří Bartoška.
As the festival ends, all that will be left of the fame and glory and the glitter of the stars that walked the red carpet this year will be packed, dismantled, stuffed into boxes and vans, hauled back to Prague and stored for next year.
Nearly 123,000 tickets were sold, tonnes of beer drunk at the Hotel Thermal terrace and the accompanying concerts. Crowds burst out in an uncontrollable laughter during a screening of Black Dynamite and screamed with fear and disgust during Antikrist.
Yet again, it rained, but the weather did not discourage the patient independent film lovers, who used their Festival Daily to shield themselves from the elements.
This might be the last entry of our blog, but look out for our special festival report coming up in the Prague Monitor Magazine.
Day eight: More Malkovich
John Malkovich was the biggest star of the festival yesterday, and here are some reflections of what he had to say.
Since he has acted in more than 70 films, I asked him at yesterday's press conference what role he felt suited him the most. Despite initial hesitation, he eventually answered it was a role he played in the movie Colour Me Kubrick: "In that movie I impersonated a character that walked around pretending he was Stanley Kubrick. And throughout my life, I walk around pretending to be John Malkovich." The journalists chuckled.
It might be easier to understand what he meant if you've already heard him speak before. The brilliant actor has his own typical style of responding. "I always think before I speak," says Malkovich. And he clearly means what he says.
Apart from being on tour with his new play Infernal Comedy, which has just finished playing in Vienna and will continue in Spain, he is also scheduled to meet with former Czech president Václav Havel, who, he says, is a very bright man. Malkovich has read Havel's latest play Odcházení (Leaving), as well as his Letters to Olga, which Havel wrote while in prison.
When asked whether he prefers working in film or in theatre, Malkovich answered without hesitation: "They are like two distinct cousins, you cannot compare... It's like when some musicians play more than one instrument."
And has he covered all the themes he wanted in his movies? "No," he said. "And not because there weren't enough chances." Malkovich has several projects going on at the moment, most of them to be shot in the United States; however, at least two of them should be filmed in central Europe.
Besides Malkovich, another big star to come to the festival is Antonio Banderas, one of the most popular actors today. He arrived at the spa town yesterday night.
Finally a tip: The long-awaited concert of Jaromír Nohavica will take place tonight, starting at 10pm at Poštovní dvůr. If you haven't already got your tickets, make sure to get them soon because the performance of this renowned Czech lyricist and musician is not to be missed.
Since he has acted in more than 70 films, I asked him at yesterday's press conference what role he felt suited him the most. Despite initial hesitation, he eventually answered it was a role he played in the movie Colour Me Kubrick: "In that movie I impersonated a character that walked around pretending he was Stanley Kubrick. And throughout my life, I walk around pretending to be John Malkovich." The journalists chuckled.
It might be easier to understand what he meant if you've already heard him speak before. The brilliant actor has his own typical style of responding. "I always think before I speak," says Malkovich. And he clearly means what he says.
Apart from being on tour with his new play Infernal Comedy, which has just finished playing in Vienna and will continue in Spain, he is also scheduled to meet with former Czech president Václav Havel, who, he says, is a very bright man. Malkovich has read Havel's latest play Odcházení (Leaving), as well as his Letters to Olga, which Havel wrote while in prison.
When asked whether he prefers working in film or in theatre, Malkovich answered without hesitation: "They are like two distinct cousins, you cannot compare... It's like when some musicians play more than one instrument."
And has he covered all the themes he wanted in his movies? "No," he said. "And not because there weren't enough chances." Malkovich has several projects going on at the moment, most of them to be shot in the United States; however, at least two of them should be filmed in central Europe.
Besides Malkovich, another big star to come to the festival is Antonio Banderas, one of the most popular actors today. He arrived at the spa town yesterday night.
Finally a tip: The long-awaited concert of Jaromír Nohavica will take place tonight, starting at 10pm at Poštovní dvůr. If you haven't already got your tickets, make sure to get them soon because the performance of this renowned Czech lyricist and musician is not to be missed.
Day seven: Malkovich mania
The arrival of one of the greatest personalities in the film world to Prague on Tuesday was just as classy as the actor, director, and producer himself. His smiling face as he got off the Pendolino train was printed in all of yesterday's papers and appeared on numerous websites. His arrival at the festival also generated a great deal of excitement in Karlovy Vary.
I'm talking about one of the most anticipated guest to the festival this year John Malkovich, of course. Today, you can catch the actor at numerous places and I'll some them up for you here:
Apart from the usual press conference, John Malkovich will also hold a Master Class available to everyone, which will be held today at 7pm at the Zender Hall, Lazne 1. Be on time as the doors close at 7pm sharp and the seats are limited.
On Friday, John Malkovich will be present at the screening of his directorial debut from 2002, The Dancer Upstairs, starring the Academy Award winner Javier Bardem, at 5 pm at the Grand Hall. A feature-length documentary co-produced by John Malkovich's production company Mr. Mudd portraying three children on their journey in Latin America Which Way Home to be released this autumn directed by the award-winning Rebecca Cammisa will also be screened on Friday and Saturday.
Apart from that, arrival of Antonio Banderas is also expected today, who will greet the crowds on the red carpet and introduce his El camino de los ingleses (Summer Rain) screening at the Grand Hall of Hotel Thermal on Friday, 9:30pm.
As the premieres of the main competition go on, the anticipated premiere of Nem vagyok a barátod (I Am Not Your Friend) of the controversial director György Pálfi was screened yesterday. The director introduced the film to the packed hall as a "no budget" film and encouraged everyone just to grab a camera after the screening and shoot their own film. "You all can be standing here instead of us next year", Pálfi said. "All acting and camera was fully improvised and nearly all scenes shot on only one take, so if the actor decided to take the story from the apartment to the street, the camera had to follow", he told the reporters earlier.
Shot only in twenty days, I was surprised how well the film has turned out and how excellent the actors were. Indeed, all is possible with a little bit of guts, invention, and a team of people who can stick it through together till the end and make a project come through.
As the weekend approaches, the crowds are slowly returning for the peak of the festival, so here are some more tips on what's on tomorrow outside of the screening halls.
Since the festival has begun, Poštovní dvůr has held several concerts and tomorrow won't be any exception, so you can drop by for a performance of a Czech band Laura a její tygři or if you feel like "rocking the show", you can spend the evening at the Voskar Rock Fest in Březová near the town.
And, since I know one can't go to bed with empty stomach, I have another option where to dine if you feel like having a bite as late as 11 pm and have already had enough of sausages and halušky. Stop by at the Italian restaurant Pizzeria Re Carlo, Moskevská 910/5 (5 minutes walk from Hotel Thermal). They're open non-stop throughout the festival and will serve you your favourite pizza, pasta, or salad and a nice glass of wine even before midnight.
I'm talking about one of the most anticipated guest to the festival this year John Malkovich, of course. Today, you can catch the actor at numerous places and I'll some them up for you here:
Apart from the usual press conference, John Malkovich will also hold a Master Class available to everyone, which will be held today at 7pm at the Zender Hall, Lazne 1. Be on time as the doors close at 7pm sharp and the seats are limited.
On Friday, John Malkovich will be present at the screening of his directorial debut from 2002, The Dancer Upstairs, starring the Academy Award winner Javier Bardem, at 5 pm at the Grand Hall. A feature-length documentary co-produced by John Malkovich's production company Mr. Mudd portraying three children on their journey in Latin America Which Way Home to be released this autumn directed by the award-winning Rebecca Cammisa will also be screened on Friday and Saturday.
Apart from that, arrival of Antonio Banderas is also expected today, who will greet the crowds on the red carpet and introduce his El camino de los ingleses (Summer Rain) screening at the Grand Hall of Hotel Thermal on Friday, 9:30pm.
As the premieres of the main competition go on, the anticipated premiere of Nem vagyok a barátod (I Am Not Your Friend) of the controversial director György Pálfi was screened yesterday. The director introduced the film to the packed hall as a "no budget" film and encouraged everyone just to grab a camera after the screening and shoot their own film. "You all can be standing here instead of us next year", Pálfi said. "All acting and camera was fully improvised and nearly all scenes shot on only one take, so if the actor decided to take the story from the apartment to the street, the camera had to follow", he told the reporters earlier.
Shot only in twenty days, I was surprised how well the film has turned out and how excellent the actors were. Indeed, all is possible with a little bit of guts, invention, and a team of people who can stick it through together till the end and make a project come through.
As the weekend approaches, the crowds are slowly returning for the peak of the festival, so here are some more tips on what's on tomorrow outside of the screening halls.
Since the festival has begun, Poštovní dvůr has held several concerts and tomorrow won't be any exception, so you can drop by for a performance of a Czech band Laura a její tygři or if you feel like "rocking the show", you can spend the evening at the Voskar Rock Fest in Březová near the town.
And, since I know one can't go to bed with empty stomach, I have another option where to dine if you feel like having a bite as late as 11 pm and have already had enough of sausages and halušky. Stop by at the Italian restaurant Pizzeria Re Carlo, Moskevská 910/5 (5 minutes walk from Hotel Thermal). They're open non-stop throughout the festival and will serve you your favourite pizza, pasta, or salad and a nice glass of wine even before midnight.
Day six: Central and eastern European cinema
I promised to take you to the world of the central and eastern European cinema yesterday, so here it comes.
Apart from films screened at the East of the West section, the festival brings to you many a jewel this year in the section 20 Years of Freedom. Tributes are being paid to Jan Švankmajer and Peter Solan. Explore how Russian female directors view their country in the section A Female Take on Russia and watch out for Marko Škop's documentary Osadné competing for the Crystal Globe for the best documentary this year.
Jiří Chlumský's Nedodržaný sl'ub (A Broken Promise) is screened in the section Another View and three films from the region will compete for the best picture award this year - Vladimír Balko's Pokoj v Duši (Soul at Peace), Gyorgi Pálfi's Nem vagyok a barátod (I Am Not Your Friend), Robert Glinski's Swinki (Piggies), and the last minute add to the section Vassily Sigarev's Vlčok (Wolfy).
As for more Czech films worth mentioning, a world premiere of Juraj Herz's horror T.M.A. was screened at the Grand Hall of Hotel Thermal yesterday and Václav Marhoul's Tobruk was screened a the highest digital quality in the new hall to be officially opened next year. I also can't forget Mária Procházková's Kdopak by se vlka bál and Zdeněk Tyč's El Paso with more to be seen in Czech films of 2008 - 2009 section.
I also promised you a report on the annual Docu Talents from the East presentation which took place today. The presentation is supported by the Doc Alliance project designed to help and promote documentaries on five major documentary festivals in Europe as well as help the best pictures find their audience even long after they were first screened. Today, nine emerging projects were shown to distributors, filmmakers, journalists and other film industry representatives giving them opportunity to find future partners. A list of the presented projects can be found here.
As I have said, helping emerging projects is only one part of what the alliance does. Another is a presentation of selected works on their website where they can find audience they wouldn't have a chance reaching otherwise. Every documentary can be viewed in three different qualities, price depends both on quality of the screening and length, 60% of which goes to the holder of the right to the piece. The alliance is open to all projects that bring a new point of view, and while the payment can now only be done via credit card, there are plans to launch PayPal and text message payments as well. I really found this new way of helping documentaries fantastic as I feel films from this genre have a harder time to reach their audience compared to feature films.
And to conclude, I have a tip for you. Friends have been asking me whether I already have a tip for a winner of the Grand Prix - Crystal Globe award and all I could do until yesterday was just shrug my shoulders. All changed after I saw a premiere of Frédéric Dumont's directorial debut, Un ange a la mer (Angel at Sea). The film is a breathtaking study of a 12-year old boy trying to find a way to connect with his disturbed father. Apart from the brilliant acting of all actors, the film flows almost flawlessly, grips your emotions, and takes you through the story with such amazing photography and scenography so pure I was just stunned. Since I haven't seen all of the films in the main competition yet I won't have a final say yet, but indeed, this film will be one of those in the first line when the decision is to be made.
Apart from films screened at the East of the West section, the festival brings to you many a jewel this year in the section 20 Years of Freedom. Tributes are being paid to Jan Švankmajer and Peter Solan. Explore how Russian female directors view their country in the section A Female Take on Russia and watch out for Marko Škop's documentary Osadné competing for the Crystal Globe for the best documentary this year.
Jiří Chlumský's Nedodržaný sl'ub (A Broken Promise) is screened in the section Another View and three films from the region will compete for the best picture award this year - Vladimír Balko's Pokoj v Duši (Soul at Peace), Gyorgi Pálfi's Nem vagyok a barátod (I Am Not Your Friend), Robert Glinski's Swinki (Piggies), and the last minute add to the section Vassily Sigarev's Vlčok (Wolfy).
As for more Czech films worth mentioning, a world premiere of Juraj Herz's horror T.M.A. was screened at the Grand Hall of Hotel Thermal yesterday and Václav Marhoul's Tobruk was screened a the highest digital quality in the new hall to be officially opened next year. I also can't forget Mária Procházková's Kdopak by se vlka bál and Zdeněk Tyč's El Paso with more to be seen in Czech films of 2008 - 2009 section.
I also promised you a report on the annual Docu Talents from the East presentation which took place today. The presentation is supported by the Doc Alliance project designed to help and promote documentaries on five major documentary festivals in Europe as well as help the best pictures find their audience even long after they were first screened. Today, nine emerging projects were shown to distributors, filmmakers, journalists and other film industry representatives giving them opportunity to find future partners. A list of the presented projects can be found here.
As I have said, helping emerging projects is only one part of what the alliance does. Another is a presentation of selected works on their website where they can find audience they wouldn't have a chance reaching otherwise. Every documentary can be viewed in three different qualities, price depends both on quality of the screening and length, 60% of which goes to the holder of the right to the piece. The alliance is open to all projects that bring a new point of view, and while the payment can now only be done via credit card, there are plans to launch PayPal and text message payments as well. I really found this new way of helping documentaries fantastic as I feel films from this genre have a harder time to reach their audience compared to feature films.
And to conclude, I have a tip for you. Friends have been asking me whether I already have a tip for a winner of the Grand Prix - Crystal Globe award and all I could do until yesterday was just shrug my shoulders. All changed after I saw a premiere of Frédéric Dumont's directorial debut, Un ange a la mer (Angel at Sea). The film is a breathtaking study of a 12-year old boy trying to find a way to connect with his disturbed father. Apart from the brilliant acting of all actors, the film flows almost flawlessly, grips your emotions, and takes you through the story with such amazing photography and scenography so pure I was just stunned. Since I haven't seen all of the films in the main competition yet I won't have a final say yet, but indeed, this film will be one of those in the first line when the decision is to be made.
Day five: KVIFF still going strong
The festival screenings take place at various different locations throughout Karlovy Vary each year. From screening halls with the latest modern equipment, air-conditioning and comfortable chairs such as the recently renovated Grand Hall at Hotel Thermal with its 1,148 seats and oval screen, or Kino Čas, just opposite the street, many provisional theatres are set up to offer the tens of thousands of visitors a chance to see the rare films screened at the festival, such as Lázně III or at the Grandhotel Pupp's ceremonial hall. The only comfort you get when watching your film in these locations is a chair and the wind you get from waving the latest issue of your Festival Daily in front of your face.
The two latest locations I wrote about have made an impression on me for two various reasons. The film I saw at Lázně III was Séraphine, which depicts the main character's passion for nature. I must say that it was quite a bizarre experience to sit through the scenes where she enjoys the blowing wind playing with tree leaves as the air in the room was becoming more and more unbreathable towards the end of the film. Despite the room is beautiful, it would be great if at least one fan was installed to make the air move a bit...
Quite another experience is to see the Grandhotel Pupp's ceremonial hall turn from a theatre to a posh ballroom ready to host the VIP gala closing party. When I saw that change for the first time two years ago, I forgot to breathe for a couple of seconds...
A recommendation from my colleague Katka Heilmann goes to the unique atmosphere of the screenings at the Municipal Theatre and the last but not least cinema I'd like to bring to your attention today is Kino Panasonic, behind reconstruction of which stand such names as the Czech director Věra Chytilová or architect David Vávra and whose Filmcafé I recommended to you yesterday.
I liked the thought a fellow journalist from Egypt shared with me just before yesterday's screening of a premiere of a Slovak film Pokoj v duši - the festival has indeed come a long way since he first started to come here in 1966 when the only screenings were happening at the Grandhotel Pupp and Hotel Thermal wasn't even standing back then...
As usual, here are some tips for films you shouldn't miss today: the festival's president Jiří Bartoška will be a guest at the Reflex POINT café, T.G. Masaryka street 3, where you can ask him anything you have always wanted to know and take a peek behind the scenes of central Europe's most popular festival.
Besides films competing for the best picture premiering today, try to catch the second and last projection of Jan Němec's film The Ferrari Dino Girl, a film about the director's unique journey with footage he shot during the 1968 invasion, starring Karel Roden. Also, another great film now newly to be screened at the fest a newest piece of the Cannes returning director Ken Loach, Looking for Eric.
Tomorrow be on a lookout for our special coverage of newest documentary project cooking in central and eastern Europe a special projection of which is on today.
The two latest locations I wrote about have made an impression on me for two various reasons. The film I saw at Lázně III was Séraphine, which depicts the main character's passion for nature. I must say that it was quite a bizarre experience to sit through the scenes where she enjoys the blowing wind playing with tree leaves as the air in the room was becoming more and more unbreathable towards the end of the film. Despite the room is beautiful, it would be great if at least one fan was installed to make the air move a bit...
Quite another experience is to see the Grandhotel Pupp's ceremonial hall turn from a theatre to a posh ballroom ready to host the VIP gala closing party. When I saw that change for the first time two years ago, I forgot to breathe for a couple of seconds...
A recommendation from my colleague Katka Heilmann goes to the unique atmosphere of the screenings at the Municipal Theatre and the last but not least cinema I'd like to bring to your attention today is Kino Panasonic, behind reconstruction of which stand such names as the Czech director Věra Chytilová or architect David Vávra and whose Filmcafé I recommended to you yesterday.
I liked the thought a fellow journalist from Egypt shared with me just before yesterday's screening of a premiere of a Slovak film Pokoj v duši - the festival has indeed come a long way since he first started to come here in 1966 when the only screenings were happening at the Grandhotel Pupp and Hotel Thermal wasn't even standing back then...
As usual, here are some tips for films you shouldn't miss today: the festival's president Jiří Bartoška will be a guest at the Reflex POINT café, T.G. Masaryka street 3, where you can ask him anything you have always wanted to know and take a peek behind the scenes of central Europe's most popular festival.
Besides films competing for the best picture premiering today, try to catch the second and last projection of Jan Němec's film The Ferrari Dino Girl, a film about the director's unique journey with footage he shot during the 1968 invasion, starring Karel Roden. Also, another great film now newly to be screened at the fest a newest piece of the Cannes returning director Ken Loach, Looking for Eric.
Tomorrow be on a lookout for our special coverage of newest documentary project cooking in central and eastern Europe a special projection of which is on today.
Day four: Iranian films arrive at KVIFF
The whole world has been watching the recent turmoil in Iran and the struggle of the Iranian people protesting against the regime. The Iranian film Bist (Twenty) which has been chosen for the main competition is a mirror that reflects life in Iran through a story of a wedding and mourning hall and life and destiny of its employees in 20 days. My personal tribute goes to the director Abdolreza Kahani for shooting such a great film that is not only authentic, but also surprises with its brilliant cinematography.
The press conference that preceded the international premiere of the film was attended by the lead actress, the editor, the director, and the film's private producer. While the questions targeted to all of the present filmmakers were on censorship not only for artists but for all Iranians in general, the filmmakers answered in a vague way and you could still feel that every word answered was quietly going through censorship in their heads. Sitting there, I could not help but be reminded of the regime our own country went through and seeing what it does to people in front of my eyes just hit me on the spot. While the director spoke of the sadness written all over the faces of Iranians portrayed also in the movie and answered the question on the effect of the recent events on the censorship only with saying "that, indeed, is a question", he spoke of hope in a "better future" for all people in Iran and of hope to one day be able to make a film without the need of seeking official feedback from anyone. Clearly, everybody in the room knew what he was referring to...
A Master Class with an Iranian actress and director Niki Karimi, who is a member of the jury this year, also took place at Hotel Thermal yesterday, where the actress also spoke of her work, the difficulties that filmmakers, and of course all artists, face in Iran.
You can still catch another great film from the Iranian director Asghar Farhadi Darbaraeye Elli (About Elli), which will be screened at Grandhotel Pupp on 9 July and where its director will also be present.
And what's on today? I'd like to recommend all three films screened today in the main competition, the German film Whiskey with Vodka about an aging actor, the Italian film Tutta colpa di Giuda (Freedom), and the only representive of "Czechoslovak" cinema in the main competition, Pokoj v duši (Soul at Peace). And if you feel like having a chat with the directors, you shouldn't miss the Master Class with the talented shooting star of the American cinema Cary Fukunaga, whose film Sin Nombre screened yesterday won the best director and cinematography award this year at Sundance, and Scott Sanders, director of Black Dynamite, a tribute to the blaxplotation films with a satirical undertone.
Last but not least, here's a tip for you if you get tired of the mojitos in the Captain Morgan Tent or beer served all around Hotel Thermal. Try to check out the Filmcafe next to Kino Panasonic, at Vítězná 50 (10 minutes walking distance from Hotel Thermal) and especially the live concerts held there today and on Wednesday. It's nice cozy place for a coffee or beer between films, where you can let the star dust settle a bit...
The press conference that preceded the international premiere of the film was attended by the lead actress, the editor, the director, and the film's private producer. While the questions targeted to all of the present filmmakers were on censorship not only for artists but for all Iranians in general, the filmmakers answered in a vague way and you could still feel that every word answered was quietly going through censorship in their heads. Sitting there, I could not help but be reminded of the regime our own country went through and seeing what it does to people in front of my eyes just hit me on the spot. While the director spoke of the sadness written all over the faces of Iranians portrayed also in the movie and answered the question on the effect of the recent events on the censorship only with saying "that, indeed, is a question", he spoke of hope in a "better future" for all people in Iran and of hope to one day be able to make a film without the need of seeking official feedback from anyone. Clearly, everybody in the room knew what he was referring to...
A Master Class with an Iranian actress and director Niki Karimi, who is a member of the jury this year, also took place at Hotel Thermal yesterday, where the actress also spoke of her work, the difficulties that filmmakers, and of course all artists, face in Iran.
You can still catch another great film from the Iranian director Asghar Farhadi Darbaraeye Elli (About Elli), which will be screened at Grandhotel Pupp on 9 July and where its director will also be present.
And what's on today? I'd like to recommend all three films screened today in the main competition, the German film Whiskey with Vodka about an aging actor, the Italian film Tutta colpa di Giuda (Freedom), and the only representive of "Czechoslovak" cinema in the main competition, Pokoj v duši (Soul at Peace). And if you feel like having a chat with the directors, you shouldn't miss the Master Class with the talented shooting star of the American cinema Cary Fukunaga, whose film Sin Nombre screened yesterday won the best director and cinematography award this year at Sundance, and Scott Sanders, director of Black Dynamite, a tribute to the blaxplotation films with a satirical undertone.
Last but not least, here's a tip for you if you get tired of the mojitos in the Captain Morgan Tent or beer served all around Hotel Thermal. Try to check out the Filmcafe next to Kino Panasonic, at Vítězná 50 (10 minutes walking distance from Hotel Thermal) and especially the live concerts held there today and on Wednesday. It's nice cozy place for a coffee or beer between films, where you can let the star dust settle a bit...
Day three: Halušky and films galore
Can't help but start with the amazing films I saw yesterday, one of which was the premiere of the Danish film Applause, a Martin Pieter Zandvliet film, starring Paprika Steen in the main role of an extravagant actress trying to fight her alcoholism and get her two sons back into custody while still fighting her demons. With this film, the main competition has officially been launched, and I must say it will be tough this year. Despite the film's producer Mikael Pieter Zandvliet was a bit nervous when introducing the film to the packed Grand Hall of Hotel Thermal, I have to say he really needn't be. The film was a sheer pleasure to watch as Steen gave the best in her and her great acting was supported by genius directing depicting the reality as well as excellent editing.
In the Horizons section be on the lookout for Philippe Lioret's latest film Welcome, a breathtaking picture of a 17-year-old Kurdish boy Bilal, who having escaped from the war-torn Iraq to France is trying to swim the English Channel to get to England to reunite with his lost love and is helped by Simon, a middle-aged swimming instructor. A brilliant portrait of two men from different parts of the world and culture.
And yet another breathtaking film is Séraphine, a story of the French naïve-style painter, who has spent majority of her life undiscovered, living as a cleaner, only to be recognized after her death. Screened also in the Horizons section.
Apart from seeing these great films, I also had a good look around the scene in front of Hotel Thermal which has nicely slipped into its annual routine of music, sausage and beer stands already occupied by the arriving backpackers and lines forming in front of the box offices. The usual buzz was only interrupted by the red carpet arrivals of Miloš Forman and the cast and crew of his latest film A Walk Worthwhile and of course, the filmmakers and actors behind Applause. You could also see Paul Schrader and Isabelle Huppert arrive to Grandhotel Pupp today.
The annual hunt for tickets has also begun, sometimes resulting in arguments between the Festival Pass holders, who can as usual fill the empty seats in screening halls five minutes before each screening, and those who, despite having obtained their tickets in advance, arrive too late to claim their seat. So even if you have your ticket make sure you take your seat at least five minutes before the film starts otherwise don't expect any mercy of the Festival-Pass holder who has stood in front of the hall hoping to get a seat, often for an hour or more.
From today till Friday you can catch a cup of tea each day at 3pm in front of Hotel Thermal and have a chat with the Czech filmmakers. Also, don't miss your chance to see a Czech premiere of Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler, starring Mickey Rourke as an aging professional wrestler, that won him an Oscar nomination this year. An international premiere of Villa Amalia with Isabelle Huppert is another film competing in the main competition for the Crystal Globe and is another of my personal recommendations.
Apart from that, try out the Karlovy Vary special meal: halušky. I had some last night and must say they taste better every year. And be on the lookout for our special slideshow that will really take you everywhere from the crowds to the red carpet!
In the Horizons section be on the lookout for Philippe Lioret's latest film Welcome, a breathtaking picture of a 17-year-old Kurdish boy Bilal, who having escaped from the war-torn Iraq to France is trying to swim the English Channel to get to England to reunite with his lost love and is helped by Simon, a middle-aged swimming instructor. A brilliant portrait of two men from different parts of the world and culture.
And yet another breathtaking film is Séraphine, a story of the French naïve-style painter, who has spent majority of her life undiscovered, living as a cleaner, only to be recognized after her death. Screened also in the Horizons section.
Apart from seeing these great films, I also had a good look around the scene in front of Hotel Thermal which has nicely slipped into its annual routine of music, sausage and beer stands already occupied by the arriving backpackers and lines forming in front of the box offices. The usual buzz was only interrupted by the red carpet arrivals of Miloš Forman and the cast and crew of his latest film A Walk Worthwhile and of course, the filmmakers and actors behind Applause. You could also see Paul Schrader and Isabelle Huppert arrive to Grandhotel Pupp today.
The annual hunt for tickets has also begun, sometimes resulting in arguments between the Festival Pass holders, who can as usual fill the empty seats in screening halls five minutes before each screening, and those who, despite having obtained their tickets in advance, arrive too late to claim their seat. So even if you have your ticket make sure you take your seat at least five minutes before the film starts otherwise don't expect any mercy of the Festival-Pass holder who has stood in front of the hall hoping to get a seat, often for an hour or more.
From today till Friday you can catch a cup of tea each day at 3pm in front of Hotel Thermal and have a chat with the Czech filmmakers. Also, don't miss your chance to see a Czech premiere of Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler, starring Mickey Rourke as an aging professional wrestler, that won him an Oscar nomination this year. An international premiere of Villa Amalia with Isabelle Huppert is another film competing in the main competition for the Crystal Globe and is another of my personal recommendations.
Apart from that, try out the Karlovy Vary special meal: halušky. I had some last night and must say they taste better every year. And be on the lookout for our special slideshow that will really take you everywhere from the crowds to the red carpet!
Day two: Vary fest picks up speed
So you weren't in town yet to see Mirek Topolánek giving Miloš Forman a hearty welcoming hug and wasn't in front of Grandhotel Pupp to snap a first picture of Patrice Chéreau and even missed yesterday's gala opening and the arrival of the opening film's director Shana Feste? Don't be sad. Listen to Marek Eben's advice from the cover of yesterday's first issue of Právo's Festival Daily, pack your bag or suitcase and head for the fest today, as there is so much more to come in the upcoming eight days!
Before you go, though, make sure you don't rely on getting there by bus from Prague since all tickets are sold out. Just hop on a train and you might make some new friends along the way.
What's coming up at the fest today? Try to get tickets to the screening of the restored films of Jan Špáta and follow it by dropping by a masterclass on his work starting at 4pm at the Captain Morgan Tent. Then, Miloš Forman will introduce a premiere of his Dobře placená procházka (A Walk Worthwhile) today at 5 pm at Hotel Thermal.
An interesting panel discussion on how Hollywood and Europe can work closely together and benefit each other will take place at the Chopin Lounge at Grandhotel Pupp from 2pm to 4pm.
Or, you might get lucky and still catch the film premiere of The Greatest at Grandhotel Pupp today at 1:30 pm, than take a walk around the town, take a sip of all 12 healing springs, as well as the spa town's 13th one, Becherovka, and be back at 7pm for Pedro Almodóvar's Broken Embraces or the 10pm screening of Chéreau's Gabriella, where the director himself and the great Isabelle Huppert will both be present.
And what to do if you have a minute to spare and feel like some music? A live concert of selected Czech bands such as Support Lesbiens, Chinaski or the great singer Aneta Langerová will take place in the afternoon at Poštovní dvůr. Free entry is granted to all Festival Pass holders. This one-day music fest starts at 3pm and will end well after midnight.
So, I'll see you here!
Before you go, though, make sure you don't rely on getting there by bus from Prague since all tickets are sold out. Just hop on a train and you might make some new friends along the way.
What's coming up at the fest today? Try to get tickets to the screening of the restored films of Jan Špáta and follow it by dropping by a masterclass on his work starting at 4pm at the Captain Morgan Tent. Then, Miloš Forman will introduce a premiere of his Dobře placená procházka (A Walk Worthwhile) today at 5 pm at Hotel Thermal.
An interesting panel discussion on how Hollywood and Europe can work closely together and benefit each other will take place at the Chopin Lounge at Grandhotel Pupp from 2pm to 4pm.
Or, you might get lucky and still catch the film premiere of The Greatest at Grandhotel Pupp today at 1:30 pm, than take a walk around the town, take a sip of all 12 healing springs, as well as the spa town's 13th one, Becherovka, and be back at 7pm for Pedro Almodóvar's Broken Embraces or the 10pm screening of Chéreau's Gabriella, where the director himself and the great Isabelle Huppert will both be present.
And what to do if you have a minute to spare and feel like some music? A live concert of selected Czech bands such as Support Lesbiens, Chinaski or the great singer Aneta Langerová will take place in the afternoon at Poštovní dvůr. Free entry is granted to all Festival Pass holders. This one-day music fest starts at 3pm and will end well after midnight.
So, I'll see you here!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Karlovy Vary fest kicks off
Healing springs, private spas and Russian mansions. That is the Karlovy Vary as you might know it throughout most of the year. But for one week every summer, the town turns into a mecca for aficionados of independent cinema from all over the world.
From red-carpet celebrities to backpackers, the festival has attracted tens of thousands of visitors each year, and the number is constantly growing with over 140,000 tickets sold only last year.
This year the festival will screen more than 200 films and host such film icons as John Malkovich, Antonio Banderas, who will accept awards for their life-long work, while renowned directors, such as Patrice Chéreau, Scott Sanders, and Paul Schrader, will introduce their new films as well. Also be on the lookout for the shooting stars in the world of cinema, such as Shana Feste and Cary Fukunaga. What's more, actresses Laura Morante, Hilary Bevan Jones have just confirmed their presence at the festival.
Don't miss our daily tips and reports from the latest events. Today you shouldn't let Bába, a film that won the La Cinéfondation award as the best student film in Cannes, slip through your fingers and, of course, try and catch the grand opening tonight at 8 pm at Grandhotel Pupp, where Shana Feste will introduce her film The Greatest in an international premiere.
Apart from a special focus on central and eastern European films, I'd also like to show the spa town's different face, as we join the crowds outside cinema halls and bring you tips of what to do after dark.
From red-carpet celebrities to backpackers, the festival has attracted tens of thousands of visitors each year, and the number is constantly growing with over 140,000 tickets sold only last year.
This year the festival will screen more than 200 films and host such film icons as John Malkovich, Antonio Banderas, who will accept awards for their life-long work, while renowned directors, such as Patrice Chéreau, Scott Sanders, and Paul Schrader, will introduce their new films as well. Also be on the lookout for the shooting stars in the world of cinema, such as Shana Feste and Cary Fukunaga. What's more, actresses Laura Morante, Hilary Bevan Jones have just confirmed their presence at the festival.
Don't miss our daily tips and reports from the latest events. Today you shouldn't let Bába, a film that won the La Cinéfondation award as the best student film in Cannes, slip through your fingers and, of course, try and catch the grand opening tonight at 8 pm at Grandhotel Pupp, where Shana Feste will introduce her film The Greatest in an international premiere.
Apart from a special focus on central and eastern European films, I'd also like to show the spa town's different face, as we join the crowds outside cinema halls and bring you tips of what to do after dark.
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