As the countdown begins to the 58th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, excitement is building in the Czech Republic. The prestigious event has announced a stacked lineup of guests and honorees, with several A-listers set to attend and participate in special screenings and workshops. Leading the charge is three-time Oscar nominee Viggo Mortensen, who will receive the KVIFF President’s Award during the opening ceremony and share his recent directorial effort, The Dead Don’t Hurt, to kick off the festivities.
Mortensen is an international superstar, with a career spanning numerous acclaimed films and collaborations with renowned directors. He’s best known for his iconic role as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but he’s also demonstrated his behind-the-camera skills with films like Falling in 2020. This marks his second time being honored by KVIFF, having previously won the audience award with Matt Ross’s Captain Fantastic in 2016.
Joining Mortensen in receiving the President’s Award are Clive Owen and Daniel Brühl. Owen, star of Monsieur Spade and Children of Men, will see his 2004 award-winning romantic drama, Closer, screened in his honor during the closing ceremony. Brühl, an alumnus of the MCU as Baron Zemo, will share his directorial debut, Next Door.
Viggo Mortensen’s ‘The Dead Don’t Hurt’ (Photo: The Dead Don’t Hurt)
The festival will also pay tribute to renowned Czech photographer Tono Stano, who will showcase his collection of shots capturing the many stars who have appeared at KVIFF over the years. Additionally, British band Kosheen will take the stage for a concert during the opening ceremony, accompanied by a promotional trailer starring Benicio Del Toro.
The festival will also honor the works of legendary author Franz Kafka, with a retrospective featuring films like Steven Soderbergh’s Kafka and Nicole Holofcener’s films. Soderbergh is confirmed to attend in person for both screenings, while Holofcener will introduce three of her award-winning films, including Please Give, Enough Said, and You Hurt My Feelings.
Other filmmakers attending to share their latest features include Michel Franco, Juho Kuosmanen, Sergei Loznitsa, Rúnar Rúnarsson, Daniele Luchetti, and Ti West. Franco will also lead a master class for emerging artists as part of KVIFF’s Future Frames program.
