Czech Film Festival Honors Viggo Mortensen

An international film festival in the western Czech resort city of Karlovy Vary is commencing with a tribute to U.S. actor and director Viggo Mortensen. Mortensen, a three-time Academy Award nominee for best actor, will be honored with the Festival President’s Award during the opening ceremony on Friday. He will also showcase his second directorial venture, "The Dead Don’t Hurt." The festival will host esteemed guest Oscar-winning director and producer Steve Soderbergh, who will present two films, “Kafka” and “Mr Kneff,” in a retrospective titled “The Wish to Be a Red Indian: Kafka and Cinema.” This retrospective will highlight movie adaptations of works by Franz Kafka in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the author’s passing. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, set to run until July 6, will feature a diverse selection of cinematic works. The grand jury, which includes Australian Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush, will evaluate 12 films vying for the prestigious top prize, the Crystal Globe. The festival aims to celebrate the art of filmmaking and provide a platform for filmmakers and artists to showcase their creative endeavors. With Mortensen and Soderbergh headlining the event, attendees can expect a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences and insightful discussions on the craft of filmmaking. The festival’s focus on honoring renowned figures in the film industry, such as Mortensen and Soderbergh, underscores its commitment to recognizing talent and innovation in cinema. By showcasing a retrospective on Franz Kafka’s works, the festival pays homage to the literary and cinematic legacy of the acclaimed author. As film enthusiasts and industry professionals gather in Karlovy Vary for this cinematic celebration, the event promises to be a vibrant and engaging showcase of artistic expression and storytelling through the medium of film.