KVIFF Central Stage Returns with 11 Projects as Karlovy Vary Launches Book-to-Screen Showcase - Karlovy Vary 2026 – KVIFF Industry Days

Key Takeaways

• KVIFF Central Stage features 11 late‑stage CE/EU fiction projects
• Book‑to‑Screen launches eight literary works for adaptation market
• Swiss Films joins as new regional partnership
• Industry Days host 38 projects across five KVIFF Promises strands

Pulse Analysis

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is positioning itself as a hub for Central and Eastern European co‑production by expanding its industry platform, KVIFF Promises. Hosting 38 projects across five strands, the festival offers a concentrated marketplace where producers, financiers, and distributors can source content at various development stages. This breadth reflects a strategic push to attract cross‑border investment, especially as regional film funds seek to mitigate risk through shared financing and broader distribution networks.

A key differentiator this year is the revival of KVIFF Central Stage, which showcases eleven fiction films already in production or post‑production. By targeting mid‑career filmmakers—who often lack the exposure afforded to newcomers—the programme fills a notable gap in the CE/EU ecosystem. The inclusion of Swiss Films as a new partner underscores the festival’s commitment to multi‑national collaboration, offering filmmakers access to additional funding pools and market channels beyond their home territories.

The inaugural Book‑to‑Screen at KVIFF adds a novel dimension by curating eight literary titles with strong adaptation potential. This initiative creates a focused marketplace for rights acquisition, encouraging publishers and filmmakers to negotiate deals in a transparent setting. As streaming platforms and global studios increasingly hunt for original IP, the showcase positions the region to capitalize on its rich storytelling heritage, potentially generating new revenue streams and elevating the international profile of Central and Eastern European cinema.