As the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival prepares for its highly anticipated 60th edition, Czech television presenter, musician, and long-time host Marek Eben has opened up about his unique journey inside one of Europe’s most prestigious film events.

Known for his calm stage presence and sharp wit, Eben has become the face of KVIFF ceremonies — welcoming Hollywood legends, global filmmakers, and international guests year after year. But when asked about the most stressful part of his career, his answer comes with a smile and a surprising comparison.

Between hosting glamorous red-carpet ceremonies and presenting the popular Czech show “Dancing With the Stars”, Eben admits the stress levels are not as predictable as one might think.

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“HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS OR LIVE TELEVISION CHAOS?”

Reflecting on his long career, Eben recalled how he once had the chance to meet legendary actor Gregory Peck during the festival’s earlier years — a moment he still describes as surreal.

Over time, KVIFF has hosted some of the biggest names in global cinema, turning Karlovy Vary into a summer hub for film lovers, critics, and A-list talent.

Yet despite the glamour, Eben suggests that live television may still hold the edge when it comes to pressure. Hosting unpredictable performances, live audiences, and tight production timing often creates a different kind of intensity compared to film festival ceremonies.

A FESTIVAL WITH GLOBAL REACH

The Karlovy Vary festival has grown significantly over the decades, evolving into a cultural landmark that bridges Eastern European cinema with Hollywood and international filmmaking.

This year’s edition marks a milestone — 60 editions across 80 years — reinforcing its legacy as one of Europe’s most respected film festivals.

Eben’s role as host has helped maintain the festival’s identity, balancing sophistication with warmth and humor.

DREAM INTERVIEWS AND UNFULFILLED WISHES

Looking ahead, Eben also shared that there are still a few names he would love to interview — though he keeps them closely guarded. His curiosity reflects the spirit of the festival itself, where unexpected conversations often become the most memorable moments.

From red carpets to live television chaos, Eben’s career highlights the unpredictable nature of entertainment — where elegance and stress often coexist behind the scenes.

As Karlovy Vary prepares for another star-studded year, one thing remains clear: whether it’s Hollywood icons or live dance floors, Marek Eben continues to navigate both worlds with remarkable ease.

A deeply emotional and quietly powerful story is set to take center stage at this year’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, where Cypriot filmmaker Tonia Mishiali returns with her second feature film, “The Lion at My Back.”

Premiering in the prestigious Crystal Globe competition, the film has already begun drawing attention for its sensitive portrayal of an unexpected relationship between a teenage asylum seeker and a Cypriot woman in her 40s.

At its heart, the film explores how emotional bonds can form in the most unlikely circumstances — challenging traditional definitions of family, belonging, and survival.

A STORY ROOTED IN HUMAN CONNECTION

“The Lion at My Back” follows two individuals from vastly different worlds: a young asylum seeker navigating uncertainty and displacement, and a middle-aged Cypriot woman grappling with her own personal struggles.

Despite their differences, the two characters slowly build a fragile but meaningful connection, discovering shared vulnerabilities that transcend language, nationality, and age.

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The film’s premise highlights a growing theme in contemporary European cinema — the intersection of migration, identity, and human empathy.

MISHIALI’S CINEMATIC VOICE

Director Tonia Mishiali has been steadily gaining recognition for her intimate storytelling style, often focusing on emotional realism and socially relevant narratives.

Her latest work continues that trajectory, offering a grounded yet poetic examination of human relationships formed under pressure. The film’s narrative suggests that even in moments of displacement and isolation, connection can emerge in unexpected ways.

Festival programmers at Karlovy Vary have praised the film’s emotional depth and its ability to balance social commentary with personal storytelling.

A FESTIVAL KNOWN FOR RISK-TAKING CINEMA

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, one of Europe’s most respected film events, has long been a platform for bold, independent voices in global cinema. The inclusion of Mishiali’s film in the Crystal Globe competition underscores its artistic ambition and thematic relevance.

Early reactions from festival insiders suggest that the film resonates strongly with contemporary global issues — particularly migration and human resilience.

FAMILY BEYOND BLOODLINES

At its core, “The Lion at My Back” suggests that family is not always defined by biology or tradition. Instead, it can emerge through shared experience, empathy, and survival.

As the film prepares for its world premiere, it stands as a reminder of cinema’s unique ability to reflect human complexity — and to find tenderness in unlikely places.

For audiences at Karlovy Vary, it may be one of the festival’s most quietly powerful entries.

Acclaimed actress Virginie Efira is set to receive one of European cinema’s most respected honours — the Leopard Club Award at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.

The announcement has been met with widespread appreciation across the film industry, with festival organizers praising Efira for her distinctive artistic presence and evolving contribution to contemporary cinema.

Describing her body of work, the festival highlighted her as “bold yet thoughtful, instinctive yet ironic,” noting that she brings a fresh and constantly evolving perspective to modern filmmaking.

A CAREER DEFINED BY RANGE AND RISK

Over the years, Efira has built a reputation for choosing complex and emotionally layered roles, moving seamlessly between drama, romance, and psychological storytelling. Her performances have often been noted for their emotional authenticity and understated intensity.

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From independent European films to internationally recognized productions, she has become one of the most versatile voices in modern French-language cinema.

Her work has also contributed to strengthening the global visibility of European storytelling, particularly through collaborations with acclaimed directors across France and Belgium.

LOCARNO’S TRIBUTE TO CINEMATIC EVOLUTION

The Locarno Film Festival, known for celebrating auteur-driven cinema and artistic experimentation, has a long tradition of honoring performers who redefine screen language.

This year’s Leopard Club Award selection reflects that tradition, with Efira recognized not just for her performances, but for her influence on contemporary cinematic expression.

Festival curators emphasized that her presence on screen continues to “reinvent itself,” adapting to new storytelling styles while maintaining a strong emotional core.

EUROPEAN CINEMA’S CONTINUING GLOBAL INFLUENCE

Efira’s recognition comes at a time when European cinema is experiencing renewed global attention, particularly through streaming platforms and international co-productions.

Her award underscores how actors outside Hollywood continue to shape global film culture through originality and artistic risk-taking.

As anticipation builds for the ceremony, the honour places Virginie Efira among a select group of performers whose work transcends borders — both geographically and creatively.

For Locarno, it is not just an award. It is a celebration of an artist whose career continues to evolve with quiet power and striking consistency.