Actor Peter Sarsgaard didn’t hold back while accepting an award at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, openly criticizing the political divisions in the U.S. and hinting at his opposition to Trump’s policies. He framed America as pulling back from global leadership while fracturing internally—a pretty blunt take from an artist who usually lets his work do the talking.

Editor’s Note: When actors wade into politics, it’s often dismissed as Hollywood noise—but Sarsgaard’s remarks tap into a broader anxiety about America’s role in the world and its polarized culture. Whether you agree with him or not, it’s another sign of how deep the divides run when even film festivals become stages for geopolitical frustration.

The Karlovy Vary Film Festival this year was bittersweet—celebrating standout talents like Vicky Krieps and Peter Sarsgaard while mourning the loss of Jiří Bartoška, the festival’s beloved president who helped revive it into the cultural powerhouse it is today. Tributes flowed for the Czech actor, whose legacy loomed large over the event.

Editor’s Note: Film festivals aren’t just about premieres and awards—they’re living things, shaped by people. Bartoška’s death is a reminder of how deeply individuals can imprint on cultural institutions, even as the show goes on. Honoring him while spotlighting new talent bridges past and future, something every art form grapples with.

The Karlovy Vary Film Festival’s Industry Days program is shaking things up this year. Hugo Rosak, the program’s head, says the industry is in transition, and the festival is adapting with a longer run (July 6–9), a stronger focus on Central Europe, and updates to its Eastern Promises platform. More changes are hinted at, suggesting a fresh direction for the event.

Editor’s Note: Film festivals aren’t just about screenings anymore—they’re key hubs for deals, networking, and regional talent. By expanding and refining its Industry Days, Karlovy Vary is signaling it wants to stay relevant in a fast-changing market. For filmmakers and buyers, this could mean more opportunities, especially for Central European voices. If you’re into the business side of cinema, this is one to watch.

The artistic director of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, Karel Och, is signaling a shift in the Czech Republic’s cultural conversation around #MeToo. He emphasizes the need for open dialogue, pointing to the upcoming premiere of Broken Voices—a film inspired by the Bambini di Praga abuse scandal—as a catalyst for reckoning. The drama, part of the festival’s Crystal Globe Competition, reflects a broader push to confront long-ignored issues in Czech society.

Editor’s Note: While the Czech Republic has been slower than some Western nations to engage with #MeToo, this film and Och’s comments suggest a turning point. It’s not just about one movie—it’s about whether a country known for its resistance to feminist movements is finally ready to face uncomfortable truths. For filmmakers and audiences alike, Broken Voices could be a litmus test for change.

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of Central Europe’s most prestigious cinema events, is kicking off its 59th year with a star-studded opening ceremony. Hollywood actor Peter Sarsgaard ("The Batman," "Shattered Glass") and Luxembourgish breakout star Vicky Krieps ("Phantom Thread," "Bergman Island") will be honored with top awards right out of the gate—a sign this year’s lineup is pulling serious talent.

At the opening of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, actor Peter Sarsgaard—fresh off receiving the KVIFF President’s Award—used his moment in the spotlight to address the deep divisions in the U.S., urging Americans to embrace collective action over isolation. Co-honoree Vicky Krieps joined him at the event, but it was Sarsgaard’s call for unity that stood out, framing collaboration as the only way forward in a fractured political climate.