Karlovy

Iranian Filmmaker Soheil Beiraghi’s ‘Bidad’ Triumphs at Karlovy Vary Festival Amidst Government Backlash

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Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic — Iranian filmmaker Soheil Beiraghi faced significant legal challenges for his latest film, Bidad, also known as Outcry, which recently earned the Special Jury Award at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, celebrated as one of Central Europe’s major cinematic events. The film tells the story of a young girl who defies Iran’s strict laws by singing in public, activities that have been banned since the 1979 revolution. It further challenges societal norms, particularly through its portrayal of women who do not wear the mandated hijab, making a bold statement … Read more

‘Better Go Mad in the Wild’ Captures Top Honors at Karlovy Vary Film Festival Amidst Unforeseen Tragedy

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KARLOVY VARY, Czech Republic — The Grand Prix of the main competition at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival was awarded Saturday to “Better Go Mad in the Wild” (“Radeji zesilet v divocine”), a documentary depicting the tumultuous lives of two twin brothers residing on a decrepit farm far from urban life. Director Miro Remo accepted the Crystal Globe from festival officials Krystof Mucha and Karel Och. The top honor comes with a cash prize of $25,000, equally divided between Remo and the film’s producer. The jury evaluated 12 films in the main competition, ultimately recognizing … Read more

Triumph in the Wild: Czechoslovak Documentary ‘Better Go Mad in the Wild’ Clinches Grand Prix at Karlovy Vary Film Festival

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Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic — The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival concluded its 59th edition on July 12, highlighting compelling cinematic narratives from around the globe. The festival’s top honor, the Grand Prix Crystal Globe, was awarded to the Czech-Slovak documentary Better Go Mad in the Wild, directed by Miro Remo. This film, loosely adapted from the book by Ales Palan and Jan Sibik, explores the lives of twin brothers as they investigate the possibility of living entirely in one place. The film’s whimsical nature and exploration of personal authenticity earned it accolades from the … Read more

"Stellan Skarsgård’s Bold Remarks Steal Spotlight at 59th International Karlovy Vary Film Festival"

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KARLOVY VARY, Czech Republic — The 59th International Karlovy Vary Film Festival wrapped up this week with a lineup that featured a number of familiar faces, but less drama than in previous editions. Among the attendees were Festival President’s Award recipients Vicky Krieps, Dakota Johnson, and Peter Sarsgaard, along with a surprise appearance by Michael Douglas. However, it was Stellan Skarsgård, the Crystal Globe recipient for Outstanding Artistic Contribution, who stirred conversation with his controversial remarks about acclaimed director Ingmar Bergman, describing him as “manipulative” and recalling Bergman’s emotional reaction to Hitler’s death. This year’s … Read more