Karlovy Vary Film Festival marks 80th edition with record drone show and saves key cinema

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is celebrating its 80th edition with a record‑breaking aerial display. Organized by Allwyn and Drone Show Europe, the 10‑minute show titled “Stars and Winners of Your Own Story” will use 1,300 synchronized drones to create images up to 220 metres wide, replacing traditional fireworks and showcasing themes of determination, creativity and luck.

In the days leading up to the festival, the city secured the future of Kino Čas, a historic cinema that serves as a principal venue for the event. After a short‑term vacancy, the municipal government announced that the local Drahomíra cinema will take over the lease, turning the venue into a broader community centre with additional cultural programmes. Mayor Andrea Pfeffer Ferklová highlighted that “Čas is an indispensable part of the cultural life of Karlovy Vary,” and the new operators plan to add a garden, bar and a schedule of concerts, exhibitions and film screenings.

Both initiatives aim to boost the festival’s profile and reinforce Karlovy Vary’s cultural infrastructure for locals and visitors alike.