Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2026 showcases star‑studded red carpet and record‑breaking drone show

The 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival opened with a glittering red‑carpet ceremony attended by Hollywood stars such as Jesse Eisenberg, Harvey Keitel, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Dustin Hoffman. Czech celebrities, including Jitka Schneiderová, Táňa Pauhofová and others, highlighted local fashion on the carpet.

Host and presenter Libor Bouček posted a glowing social‑media note about the festival’s atmosphere and the country’s cultural achievements, writing, “Člověk musí smeknout před všemi těmi, co tvoří to místo. Ten Festival. S pokorou, precizností, láskou.”

Later that night the festival’s Allwyn terrace hosted the largest drone display in Czech and Slovak history – 1 300 synchronized drones performed a ten‑minute multimedia show. Attendees Zorka and Míra Hejda praised the spectacle, with Zorka saying, “Bylo to krásné,” and Míra adding it felt “magický moment.” The drone show will be repeated on 7 July.

The event remains one of the Czech Republic’s premier cultural gatherings, drawing international film talent and offering a mix of cinema, fashion, and high‑tech entertainment.