A public farewell to Jiří Bartoška, celebrated Czech actor and longtime president of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, takes place today at Prague’s Rudolfinum. Bartoška died on May 8 at the age of 78 after a prolonged illness. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., members of the public are invited to pay tribute to the beloved actor and face of the country’s most prestigious film fest.
At the Rudolfinum’s Dvořák Hall, a memorial installation has been created in the form of Bartoška’s office. His desk, armchair, books, and memorabilia from the Karlovy Vary festival are accompanied by a large portrait of the actor, surrounded by wreaths and flowers from colleagues, friends, and dignitaries. Condolence books are available in the foyer, along with video screens playing highlights from his stage and screen career.
Although best known internationally for his role as the face of Karlovy Vary, Bartoška was also a respected actor and activist, whose colleagues remember him as warm, wise, and unshakably charismatic. The official public tribute will be followed by a private evening ceremony for invited friends and collaborators.
Among those unable to attend was actress Anna Geislerová, currently in Cannes for the premiere of her latest film Caravan (Karavan), the first Czech film in over 30 years to compete at the festival’s Un Certain Regard section.
“It saddens me, but I know that just as God doesn’t only live in churches, farewells don’t have to happen at funerals,” Geislerová told Czech Television. “For me, his death doesn’t count. He stays with us. We can celebrate him every day, say goodbye, think of him.”
Actor Ivan Trojan, a close friend of Bartoška’s, canceled a performance with Prague’s Dejvické divadlo in order to attend today’s funeral. “Jiří Bartoška was a rare person and a friend of the Dejvické divadlo,” Trojan said. “We asked for understanding so we could be present.”
Remembrances of Bartoška, who personally welcomed hundreds of acclaimed actors and filmmakers at the Karlovy Vary festival over the years, also poured in internationally.
“I just heard the sad news that the legend Jiří Bartoška passed away,” Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, who met Bartoška at the Karlovy Vary festival in 2023, wrote on X. “President of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, I had the great honor to receive the award for Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema from his own hands.”
In a loving tribute published in Variety, longtime editor and festival observer Steven Gaydos praised Bartoška’s unique charisma and importance to the global film community.
“Jiří was Karlovy Vary’s secret weapon,” he wrote. “Because the moment a movie star such as Sharon Stone, Jude Law or Renée Zellweger stepped into the Bohemian sun, they were greeted by an infinitely charming movie star who shone every bit as brightly as his guests, and one whose passion for cinema was a match for even his grandest guests.”
For those who cannot attend the Prague farewell, a condolence book will be available at Divadlo Kalich, where Bartoška performed from 2012 until this past January. It will remain open through the end of May.
The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, set to run from July 4–12, will continue as planned, with executive director Kryštof Mucha now leading the organization. Bartoška will remain its president in memoriam.
Lead photo: Facebook / Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
