The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) will mark its 80th edition this July with what organizers describe as the largest drone show ever staged in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Replacing the festival’s traditional opening fireworks, the 10-minute aerial display will feature 1,300 synchronized drones transforming the night sky above the spa city into a massive animated canvas.
The multimedia spectacle is being presented by festival partner Allwyn in collaboration with Czech company Drone Show Europe by Spectrum Production. The show is scheduled to premiere following the festival’s opening concert on July 3 and will return for a second performance on July 7, giving more visitors an opportunity to experience the event.
Festival replaces fireworks with record-breaking drone display
The drone show, titled Stars and Winners of Your Own Story, has been created specifically for the 80th edition of KVIFF and is designed to combine animated aerial imagery with music and narration. According to organizers, the production explores themes of determination, creativity, courage, coincidence and luck, drawing connections between achievements in film, sports and everyday life.
The synchronized fleet of 1,300 illuminated drones will create images measuring up to 220 meters (722 feet) across—roughly the length of two football fields placed end to end. During the approximately 10-minute performance, the drones will execute more than 9 million programmed positions while flying at altitudes of up to 200 meters (656 feet).
Organizers say the display surpasses previous drone productions in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia and even exceeds the number of drones used during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. The project required thousands of hours of programming, testing and choreography to coordinate the complex flight patterns.
The drones will launch from Sokolský vrch, an area that will be closed to the public during the performances for safety reasons. Festival organizers recommend viewing the show from around Hotel Thermal, where visibility is expected to be the best. As with other outdoor aerial events, performances remain subject to weather conditions.
The introduction of the drone display reflects a broader shift away from traditional fireworks at many public events, with drone technology offering an alternative capable of producing complex animated imagery while reducing noise and airborne debris.
Allwyn expands its presence across the festival
The drone show forms part of Allwyn’s expanded partnership with KVIFF following the company’s rebranding from Sazka earlier this year. Beyond the opening spectacle, the lottery operator is introducing a range of public activities throughout the festival centered on interactive entertainment.
A festival terrace at Hotel Thermal will host games, installations and exhibitions, including a display featuring a McLaren Formula 1 race car. Visitors will also be able to participate in competitions and interactive attractions designed for festival attendees.
The company’s support also extends to KVIFF‘s industry initiatives. Allwyn continues as a partner of Future Frames, the European program that showcases emerging filmmakers. As in previous years, one participant will receive the Allwyn Residency scholarship, providing a month-long stay in Los Angeles with meetings arranged by United Talent Agency and Range Media Partners to help build professional connections in the U.S. film industry.
In addition, Allwyn has become the main partner of KVIFF.TV Live, the festival’s official television platform. The channel will provide continuous video coverage from Karlovy Vary throughout the event, with programming available worldwide free of charge, extending the festival’s reach beyond those attending in person.
The drone performances are expected to become one of the signature public events of KVIFF‘s milestone 80th edition, combining emerging technology with the festival’s longstanding tradition of opening celebrations. By replacing fireworks with a large-scale choreographed aerial display, organizers are introducing a new visual centerpiece while highlighting advances in Czech event production technology through the work of Drone Show Europe.
The 80th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival runs from July 3 to July 11, with the opening drone show taking place after the opening concert on July 3 and a second performance scheduled for July 7 at 10:30 p.m.
Lead photo: 2022 KVIFF courtesy Facebook / Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
One Response
A drone show sounds interesting for a film fest. Wonder how they’ll incorporate it into the celebrations.