The 60th edition of the “Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF)”, taking place in the Czech Republic from July 3–11, 2026, is about much more than movie premieres. Alongside the festival’s acclaimed screenings, “Industry Days,” scheduled for July 5–8, brings together filmmakers, producers, publishers, television professionals, and creative executives to discuss where the entertainment business is headed.
This year’s program expands its focus with new initiatives, conversations about artificial intelligence, book adaptations, vertical microdramas, and international collaborations.
Led by Hugo Rosák, Head of the KVIFF Film Industry Office, the event reflects the changing needs of the global film and television business while creating opportunities for creators across Central and Eastern Europe.
Industry Days Expands Its Scope in 2026
The 2026 “Industry Days” program introduces several additions while continuing to strengthen existing initiatives. According to Hugo Rosák, every new project has been designed to address practical gaps within the regional film industry rather than simply adding more events to the schedule.
The primary goal is to support filmmakers, producers, and creative professionals by creating opportunities that directly respond to current industry challenges. Special attention remains on Central and Eastern Europe, where financing, distribution, and international collaboration often require approaches different from those used in larger European markets.
Industry Days also welcomes several internationally recognized speakers. Among the featured sessions is “The Sopranos and Beyond: David Chase on Storytelling, Television, and the Future of Creative Risk,” where acclaimed creator David Chase discusses storytelling, television, and creative decision-making.
Another major conversation, “The Cinematic Series: Storytelling in the Age of Streaming,” brings together writer, producer, and actor Sharon Horgan alongside “Succession” director Andrij Parekh to examine how streaming continues to reshape serialized storytelling.
The program also spotlights Jude Law’s production company, “Riff Raff Entertainment,” with sessions featuring co-founder and producer Ben Jackson and Katie Sinclair, Head of Film and TV, who will discuss the company’s development strategy and production philosophy.
New Book-to-Screen Program Opens Opportunities
One of the biggest additions this year is the first “Book-to-Screen” program. The initiative focuses on connecting independent producers with literary works from Central and Eastern Europe, an area that has often received limited attention in international adaptation markets.
The project was developed after organizers recognized that existing adaptation markets rarely highlight books from this region. A partnership with the Frankfurter Buchmesse helped make the program possible.
The initiative also addresses another regional challenge. Adaptation rights are handled differently across Central and Eastern Europe than they are in countries such as France or Germany. In many cases, authors retain adaptation rights instead of publishers, making it difficult for independent producers to identify available titles or negotiate directly with rights holders.
The program creates a shared space where carefully selected books become accessible to producers while also encouraging stronger connections between the publishing and film industries.
A dedicated think tank will accompany the program, bringing together industry professionals to discuss existing barriers within the adaptation process. The objective is to identify practical solutions and develop recommendations that could eventually be presented as an industry white paper during the next edition of KVIFF.
Berlin’s Influence Shapes Initiative
The “Book-to-Screen” concept was inspired by the adaptation program presented at the Berlin market. With support from that initiative, KVIFF adapted the model specifically for the needs of Central and Eastern Europe.
Rather than limiting projects to feature films, the program welcomes both film and television adaptations. Organizers believe that strong stories naturally determine their ideal format. While some narratives fit traditional cinema, others benefit from the extended storytelling possibilities offered by television series.
The distinction between film and television continues to shrink as producers, writers, and directors increasingly work across multiple formats.
Microdramas Enter the Conversation
Another important addition to “Industry Days” is a closer look at vertical microdramas, one of the fastest-growing content formats across Asia and the United States.
These mobile-first productions are changing how audiences consume entertainment. Although the storytelling structure differs from traditional films or television series, they still rely on skilled writers, directors, editors, and production teams.
Industry discussions will explore how producers can diversify their work by creating content across different formats rather than relying solely on conventional feature films or television projects.
The growing popularity of short-form mobile entertainment also reflects changing audience habits. As viewing platforms continue to shift toward smartphones, producers may find new opportunities to reach audiences while expanding their creative and commercial options.
Practical Solutions for Production Quality
Industry Days also examines ways producers can improve production quality, particularly within television and streaming projects.
The goal is to explore practical tools that help increase production value while making regional stories more competitive in international markets. Higher-quality productions often improve export potential and increase opportunities for international distribution.
Artificial intelligence naturally becomes part of these conversations. However, the program avoids presenting AI as a standalone trend.
Instead, sessions focus on practical applications that producers can realistically adopt. Discussions will examine available tools, production costs, studio workflows, and situations where AI can support creative and technical processes without replacing human storytelling.
Experienced Directors Take the Spotlight
The second edition of “KVIFF Central Stage” introduces 11 directors, many of whom already have established careers instead of being first-time filmmakers.
This decision reflects a funding challenge that affects experienced filmmakers across Europe. Directors who have already completed successful projects and participated in major festivals often continue struggling to finance new productions.
Rather than focusing solely on emerging talent, “KVIFF Central Stage” offers experienced creative teams an opportunity to present projects seeking financing. The showcase allows producers and directors to explain their creative vision while attracting potential partners and investors.
The initiative recognizes that career experience does not automatically guarantee financial stability, particularly within today’s independent film market.
Global Media Makers Brings U.S. Expertise
Industry Days also hosts the “Global Media Makers Residency” in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassies in Bratislava and Prague, and Film Independent, the Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization that supports independent filmmakers.
The residency welcomes 14–20 independent producers from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, offering an intensive, hands-on educational experience focused on international film production and financing.
The collaboration became possible after Film Independent secured grant funding, which enabled organizers to select participating producers.
The residency introduces European filmmakers to the American independent financing model, which differs significantly from many European funding systems.
Unlike publicly funded European productions, independent films in the United States often depend on private investment. Producers must package projects carefully, identify target audiences, and present compelling investment opportunities while building financial support from private sources.
Industry discussions suggest that understanding these funding strategies may become increasingly valuable as traditional financing grows more competitive and public funding faces additional pressure.
Participants will also examine audience development, marketing strategies, and investor relationships that frequently shape independent productions in the United States.
“Riff Raff Entertainment” Production Strategy
Another featured session focuses on “Riff Raff Entertainment,” the production company co-founded by Jude Law.
Representatives Ben Jackson and Katie Sinclair, Head of Film and TV, will discuss how the company develops projects, collaborates with creative talent, and builds its production slate.
Rather than concentrating only on completed productions, the discussion explores long-term development strategies and the decision-making process behind selecting future film and television projects.
The session offers industry professionals an opportunity to better understand how an established production company balances creative ambition with practical business planning.
The Future of Film Takes Center Stage
The 2026 edition of “Karlovy Vary Industry Days” reflects an industry adapting to new audience habits, changing financing models, and emerging production technologies.
Topics ranging from book adaptations and AI to vertical microdramas and international funding illustrate how filmmakers are expanding beyond traditional production methods while continuing to prioritize strong storytelling.
With conversations featuring David Chase, Sharon Horgan, Andrij Parekh, Ben Jackson, Katie Sinclair, and industry organizations such as Film Independent, the program creates a broad discussion about where film and television are heading next.
By combining practical education, international partnerships, and conversations around new storytelling formats, “Industry Days” serves as an informative platform that addresses many of the opportunities and challenges shaping the entertainment business in 2026.
