Remembering Jiří Bartoška at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
The recent passing of Czech acting icon Jiří Bartoška at the age of 78 has cast a poignant shadow over this year’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Serving as the festival’s president since 1994 and playing a pivotal role in its revival alongside the late Eva Zaoralová, Bartoška’s legacy was honored through the opening night film, We’ve Got to Frame It!—a documentary directed by Milan Kuchynka and Jakub Jurásek that features a conversation with Bartoška from July 2021.
Interestingly, while the festival acknowledged his contributions, they didn’t overly emphasize his legacy, possibly because they held a significant tribute to him last year. Bartoška also made a memorable appearance in this year’s festival trailer, which humorously showcases previous Crystal Globe winners. In this year’s quirky trailer, local star Bolek Polívka is depicted sharing drinks in a dive bar and offering a toast with one of his two Crystal Globe awards to his late friend Bartoška, highlighting their camaraderie.
The festival is renowned not only for its unique approach to honorary awards but also for its creative trailers and performances. This year, a captivating interpretative dance routine featured androgynous dancers dressed in black, illuminated by stark white lights and accompanied by heavy industrial techno music. The performance, reminiscent of David Lynch’s surreal style, seemed to comment on the turbulent state of today’s world, leaving much to the audience’s interpretation.
Special guest appearances added to the festival’s charm. Actress Vicky Krieps, who received a Crystal Globe award, candidly admitted her lack of preparation. “I have to tell you the truth,” she said with a smile. “I’m really bad at this. I’m not good at behaving or fitting in, so I’ll just improvise.” Her heartfelt speech touched on the importance of film festivals, emphasizing their power to transcend borders and convey profound messages. “Movies give us the space to dream and cope,” she remarked, encouraging everyone to cherish the art form and its ability to spread love, peace, and forgiveness.
Following Krieps, American actor Peter Sarsgaard addressed the audience with a thought-provoking message. After showcasing clips from his diverse body of work, he highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking. “Making a film is a collective action,” he stated, acknowledging the support of his collaborators. He touched on the divisive state of politics and society in the U.S., advocating for unity and collective action as essential for both art and personal happiness. “As my country retreats from its global responsibilities,” he noted, “collective action is the only way forward.” He concluded with a nod to former Czech president Václav Havel, reminding everyone of the importance of community and support.
As the festival unfolds, it continues to celebrate the art of cinema while honoring the memories of those who have shaped its landscape, like Jiří Bartoška. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival remains a vibrant platform for dialogue, creativity, and reflection in the ever-changing world of film.
