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Karlovy Vary One of Many Czech Festivals Paying Tribute to a Nation’s Rich Cinematic Heritage
One of Europe's oldest film festivals, Karlovy Vary is among several Czech events paying homage to the country's rich cinematic heritage.
A scenic spa town tucked within the forested hills of western Bohemia, Karlovy Vary is among the most picturesque settings you could choose for a film festival — a fact that surely wasn’t lost on organizers when they hosted the fest’s first edition more than 70 years ago. It’s an event that combines the glamour of Hollywood with the youthful exuberance of the countless young cinephiles who flock from across Europe every summer to pitch tents, pack the festival’s cinemas and party deep into the night. Meanwhile, the prestigious Czech fest continues to be heavy on star power, with recent editions welcoming Daniel Brühl, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Ewan McGregor, Alicia Vikander and Russell Crowe — a lifetime achievement award winner in 2023 who rocked the crowd on opening night with a performance by his band, Indoor Garden Party.
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