Karlovy Vary Fest Has “Potential Far Beyond Film Industry”: Majority Owner Rockaway’s Jan Jirovec

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The 59th installment of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) will be screened from July 4th to the 12th, attracting film industry professionals and movie enthusiasts to the Czech spa town for premieres of fresh cinematic finds and a multitude of celebrities.

Jan Jírovec serves as a board member for the KVIFF Group and holds an investment partnership at Rockaway Capital, which assumed majority ownership of the festival in 2021.

As a devoted enthusiast, I recently had a captivating conversation with THR’s Georg Szalai about the strategic alignment of our film festival branching into TV series. We delved into how this transformation complements our overall strategy, grappled with the profound impact of the passing of our long-standing festival president, Jiří Bartoška, and discussed the future prospects for KVIFF.

When discussing Rockaway’s involvement in the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, do you primarily consider long-term, strategic planning and vision, or do you also address any potential issues that might arise during this year’s event as well?

At Rockaway, particularly at Rockaway Arts, we predominantly focus on strategic roles. To us, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival isn’t just a cultural entity, but a versatile platform with enduring potential that transcends the boundaries of the film industry.

Practically speaking, Rockaway has been actively involved in projects like the debut of KVIFF.TV and efforts to boost European industry involvement, among others. Additionally, we have taken part in discussions about potential sponsorships.

I was wondering if you could share your thoughts on how Jiří Bartoška managed to make the KVIFF such a powerful and cherished film festival brand?

What set Jiří Bartoška apart was his knack for leading authentically. Unlike creating a festival brand in a conventional corporate manner, he and his team fostered a sense of community and a culturally significant experience that drew people back year after year. His charisma, intuition, deep appreciation for art, and exceptional talent for selecting the right individuals and allowing them to flourish are what made KVIFF into what it is today. The role of KVIFF’s president will not be replaced, instead serving as a lasting tribute to him.

Will there be any shifts in focus or strategy at KVIFF now that executive director Kryštof Mucha is also assuming a position similar to Jiří Bartoška, but with the title of Chairman of the Board for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival Group? Many believe that while Bartoška is irreplaceable, a capable and seasoned team has been assembled. Moreover, Rockaway has pledged to uphold the values and high standards established by their predecessor during their tenure.

It’s spot on – Jiří Bartoška is truly indispensable. However, the essence of KVIFF lies in its dedicated team. Leading figures like Kryštof Mucha (artistic director), Karel Och (head of production), Petr Lintimer, and others have been instrumental to the festival’s longevity and achievements for many years. They intimately know the festival’s core identity and crucially, they skillfully guide its progression while preserving what sets it apart.

We don’t expect a radical change. Rather, we see continuity with a fresh perspective – a team that’s deeply experienced, but still hungry to push boundaries. 
How much does Rockaway see and treat the film festival as a business beyond its status as a creative and artistic endeavor? And how does it fit into the broader Rockaway focus and strategy? 

In essence, KVIFF is primarily a cultural endeavor, yet we see it as more than just that – it’s also a model for long-term, strategic thinking within the realm of culture. KVIFF exemplifies how an artistic institution can establish a powerful brand, draw global collaborators, and generate tangible benefits for its local area and the Czech Republic at large.

At Rockaway Arts, our goal is to amass a diverse collection of assets that carry cultural significance, economic viability, and international potential. Given this perspective, KVIFF aligns perfectly with our vision.

Regarding your question, yes, events within the Rockaway Arts division – which encompasses KVIFF, Colours of Ostrava music festival, and Designblok design festival – occasionally collaborate or overlap in some ways. While each event maintains its unique identity, there are instances where cross-promotion, shared resources, or thematic connections occur to create a more cohesive and impactful experience for our audience.

While they cater to distinct groups and offer unique content, it’s true that there’s an overlap. Both events stem from vibrant artistic communities, and we believe collaboration could be beneficial for all parties involved.

We’re examining various methods for collaboration, such as mutual partnerships, skill swaps, or consistent messaging approaches, so they can assist each other while preserving their unique characteristics. The interaction among music, design, and film is becoming more vital, and we think our purpose is to foster this community’s natural growth.

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2025-07-01 11:24