The 58th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) will honor the literary legacy of Franz Kafka with a retrospective entitled ‘The Wish to Be a Red Indian: Kafka and Cinema.’ The festival will explore the profound influence of Kafka’s writings on renowned filmmakers such as Orson Welles, Martin Scorsese, Jan Nemec, Steven Soderbergh, and Ousmane Sembene. Marking the centenary of Kafka’s passing, KVIFF will showcase a curated selection of films inspired by the Czech writer’s works, including Soderbergh’s ‘Kafka,’ Welles’ ‘The Trial,’ Scorsese’s ‘After Hours,’ and Polanski’s ‘The Tenant.’
Beyond the Kafka retrospective, the festival will recognize the exceptional contributions of casting director Francine Maisler, whose collaborations with renowned directors like Denis Villeneuve, Terrence Malick, and Alejandro González Iñárritu have shaped iconic films. KVIFF will also bestow its President’s Award upon celebrated Czech actor Ivan Trojan in recognition of his extensive and acclaimed performances across film, television, and theater. Additionally, the festival will premiere a digitally restored version of Frantisek Vláćil’s 1977 film ‘Shadows of a Hot Summer,’ which garnered the Crystal Golden Globe for Best Film at its initial screening at KVIFF in 1978.