The International Film Festival (Mezinárodní filmový festival Karlovy Vary) is held annually in the Western Bohemian spa town of Karlovy Vary, (formely also known as Karlsbad). This A-festival in the last 15 years gained worldwide recognition and has become one of Europe’s major film events. Notable programme sections are East of the West (a selection of films from the former Soviet bloc) and an overview of the Czech and Slovak films made during the past year. Natscha Drubek talks to Och about the festival. http://www.kviff.com/en/news/

Made during the 46th edition of the International Film Festival Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, in July 2011.

Karel Och is the new artistic director of the International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic. Och (b. 1974 in Czech Republic) studied law and graduated in film theory and history at Charles University, Prague. Since 2001, he has worked for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival as programmer and a member of the selection committee. He programmed KVIFF’s documentary competition and curated tributes and retrospectives of Sam Peckinpah, John Huston, Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger and Sam Fuller. In 2010 Och was appointed artistic director of the Karlovy Vary IFF.