KVIFF Movies, Parties, Views, Hotels, Spa

The 58th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) is set to offer film lovers and film professionals a selection of world premieres and some of the highlights of the film festival circuit.

But no trip to the famous Czech spa resort would be complete without a little bohemian hospitality, food and drink, picturesque views and perhaps other forms of pampering.

This year, for the first time, the Karlovy Vary region will also have a dedicated social space for festival-goers, called Krajina, which means “space” in French. The objective: to allow festival-goers to relax or socialize while discovering the Karlovy Vary region “with all their senses”. The festival’s website also calls it “an open space for all those seeking peace and respite from the hustle and bustle of the festival world.” Enjoy the local gastronomy, meet the locals and discover the Karlovy Vary region as it really is.”

With that in mind, here is a brief, and certainly not complete, list of ideas for fun things to do in Karlovy Vary between movie screenings.

KVIFF.TV Park
Right next to the Thermal Hotel, the headquarters of KVIFF, is KVIFF.TV Park, a pavilion and surrounding area open for work and play.

After all, it’s one of the venues for public forums and Q&As between filmmakers, as well as networking meetings and food and drink stalls.

Additionally, there is plenty of late night entertainment here, including the opening concert and plenty of evening entertainment, especially music.

So whether you want to chat, take a break between panels or screenings, party or relax, KVIFF.TV Park is one of the festival’s premier meeting places.

Grandhotel Pupp
If the brutalist Hotel Thermal is the headquarters of KVIFF, one of the festival’s most iconic social spots is the Grandhotel Pupp. The hotel, which opened in 1701, welcomes VIP festival guests and special social occasions. Its Becher’s Bar seduces visitors with its selection of cocktails and musical offerings. In addition, those who wish can enjoy the Pupp casino.

Eagle-eyed James Bond fans will remember the Pupp as the Montenegro hotel featured in Casino RoyaleDaniel Craig’s first appearance as the famous spy in 2006. Craig’s Bond and Eva Green’s Vesper also dine late at the hotel restaurant.

THE Pupp’s website also lists 2006 models Last holidays with Queen Latifah and Gérard Dépardieu, as well as the one from 2003 Shanghai Knights with Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson as the ones who shot up the hotel. And the Pupp has been described as one of the inspirations for the Grand Budapest Hotel in Wes Anderson’s famous film.

Lovers of Czech desserts or those with a sweet tooth can enjoy the traditional Café…