The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival said Thursday that its 2021 edition is being postponed until late August amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Organizers said the new dates are Aug. 20 to 28.
“In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the Czech Republic, the organizers of the Karlovy Vary IFF have decided to move the date of this year’s festival,” the festival said in a statement. “Moving the festival’s dates back by seven weeks will offer the best chance of holding this cultural event closer to the extent that audiences and festivalgoers have become accustomed to.”
Said festival executive director Krystof Mucha: “Our decision to take this step was made after consulting with experts and upon a careful consideration of the current situation. We hope that the coming months will see a significant increase in vaccinations, thanks to which the pandemic will be brought under control, thus allowing us to hold the Karlovy Vary festival in a form that will be maximally safe for guests and visitors. Naturally, we are ready to observe all applicable regulations”
Artistic director Karel Och added: “Moving the dates of the 55th festival does not mean a long-term change in the Karlovy Vary festival’s traditional slot. The festival’s 56th edition will return to its usual time, meaning from July 1 to 9, 2022.”
