Karlovy Vary Film Festival 2026 launches Book‑to‑Screen market and sparks fashion buzz

The 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) opened on 5 July 2026 with a ceremony featuring stars such as Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman and Stellan Skarsgård, and a concert‑plus‑drone show. The festival’s Industry Days, supported by the PPF Foundation, introduced a new Book‑to‑Screen project created with the Frankfurt Book Fair, World of Books and the Moravian Library in Brno. The initiative will showcase literary titles from Central and Eastern Europe to international producers, aiming to build a regional market for adaptation rights.

Fashion attracted equal attention. Actress Jitka Čvančarová sparked debate with a blue‑silver gown, while Hana Vagnerová highlighted a Hollywood‑inspired hair and makeup look. The UniCredit party displayed flirty, sequined dresses, and the BigBoard party featured eclectic outfits from punctuated dresses to bold sneaker looks. Designer Andrea Verešová drew notice for a fuchsia dress with oversized bows and a fresh copper‑red hair colour. The Industry programme was divided into Cinematic Focus and Screen Focus, covering film co‑production and the growing importance of series and streaming.

Overall, the festival combined cinematic celebration, market‑building initiatives and high‑profile style moments, underscoring Karlovy Vary’s role as a key cultural hub in Central Europe.