As the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival prepares to welcome filmmakers and audiences from around the world from July 4 to 12, this year’s edition will open with a deeply personal tribute to one of the most influential figures in the festival’s modern history: Jiří Bartoška, who sadly passed away in May.
Bartoška, who has served as KVIFF’s president since 1994, is being honored with a documentary film, a special screening of a notable past performance, and an open-air photography exhibition chronicling his three decades of leadership. The tribute highlights Bartoška’s singular presence in Czech cultural life—as both a public figure and a behind-the-scenes force in the country’s most prominent film event.
Opening night film offers rare personal insights
The tribute begins with the festival’s opening night film, We’ve Got to Frame It! (A Conversation with Jiří Bartoška in July 2021), a candid documentary portrait directed by Milan Kuchynka and Jakub Jurásek. Rejecting the traditional form of a biographical profile, the film instead captures an informal, wide-ranging conversation between Bartoška and producer Milan Kuchynka.
Known for his skepticism toward self-mythologizing narratives, Bartoška had long declined requests for an official documentary about his life. The resulting film, therefore, offers a rare opportunity to hear the actor and festival leader reflect on a lifetime of personal and political milestones—ranging from his youth in grammar school, through the upheavals of the Velvet Revolution, to his encounters with international stars during his tenure at KVIFF.
The tone of the film is intimate and unvarnished, marked by Bartoška’s signature irony and dry wit. It will be available to a global audience via a free, live-only stream on KVIFF.TV, beginning around 9:15 p.m. on July 4 after the conclusion of the festival’s opening ceremony. For festivalgoers in Karlovy Vary, the film will also be shown at the Congress Hall in Hotel Thermal on July 7 and July 11.
The tribute continues with a special screening of Tiger Theory (2016), directed by Radek Bajgar. This tragicomedy exploring middle-aged frustration and shifting gender roles provided Bartoška with a role that allowed him to bring humor and depth to questions of identity and autonomy in later life.
Outdoor exhibition captures Bartoška’s KVIFF legacy
In addition to the on-screen celebrations, festival organizers have installed a large-scale photography exhibition titled Jiří Bartoška – KVIFF President. The outdoor installation is located in the pedestrian area between Hotel Thermal and Grandhotel Pupp—two iconic venues that have bookended the festival’s presence in Karlovy Vary for decades.
The exhibition consists of 30 panels featuring 60 black-and-white images taken by festival photographers over the years. The photographs include both public and behind-the-scenes moments, portraying Bartoška not only as a figurehead but as a man deeply engaged in shaping the character and international reputation of the festival.
Throughout his tenure, Bartoška has been credited with revitalizing KVIFF in the post-communist era and positioning it as a major platform for Central and Eastern European cinema. Under his leadership, the festival became known for its accessible yet prestigious atmosphere, attracting a broad range of international filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts.
While this year’s tribute marks a formal recognition of Bartoška’s legacy, it also aligns with the broader themes that have defined his time at the festival—an emphasis on authenticity, humor, and a sharp eye for both cinematic and political significance.
The 2025 festival’s celebration of Jiří Bartoška offers not just a look back, but also a reminder of the lasting impact that one individual can have on the cultural fabric of a nation.
Lead photo: Jiří Bartoška courtesy KVIFF
