Book-to-Screen at KVIFF Looks to Bring Central and Eastern European Stories to Viewers

Why It Matters

By linking CEE literature with international producers, the project expands export opportunities for regional authors and diversifies content pipelines for film and streaming platforms.

Key Takeaways

• New joint project links CEE books to global film market
• Deadline April 30, 2026 for submitting adaptation‑ready titles
• Jury will select 5‑10 works for Industry Days showcase
• Presentation scheduled July 7 at KVIFF Industry Days
• PPF Foundation funds initiative, boosting regional cultural export

Pulse Analysis

The book‑to‑screen market has matured into a critical pipeline for original content, especially as streaming services scramble for fresh narratives. Building on the two‑decade legacy of Books at Berlinale, the Book‑to‑Screen at KVIFF initiative leverages the reputations of Karlovy Vary, Frankfurt’s premier book fair, and Prague’s literary community to forge a dedicated matchmaking hub for Central and Eastern European titles. By aggregating rights‑holding publishers in one forum, the program reduces discovery friction and creates a scalable model for cross‑border adaptation deals.

Organizers have structured the initiative around a clear submission timeline, with a April 30 deadline that funnels entries into an expert jury panel. The selected 5‑10 titles will be presented to both domestic and foreign producers on July 7, coinciding with KVIFF’s Industry Days—a high‑visibility setting that attracts financiers, sales agents, and streaming executives. The involvement of the PPF Foundation provides financial backing and signals confidence to investors, while the partnership with the Frankfurter Buchmesse’s guest‑of‑honor program amplifies Czech and broader CEE literary exposure at one of Europe’s largest book fairs.

For regional authors, the project offers a rare gateway to international screens, potentially unlocking lucrative secondary markets and elevating cultural diplomacy. Film and TV producers gain access to a curated slate of stories that reflect the diverse histories and contemporary realities of the CEE region, enriching global content libraries. If the initiative succeeds, it could become a replicable blueprint for other underserved literary markets, further blurring the lines between publishing and visual storytelling.