Peter Sarsgaard Gets Political as Karlovy Vary Opens: “The Enemies Are the Forces That Divide Us”

by

It appears that political discourse is prevalent in many aspects of life these days, and this was evident during last Friday’s opening ceremony for the 59th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) held in the Czech Republic. Peter Sarsgaard and Vicky Krieps, the honorees of the event, took the opportunity to express their views on the international role of the United States and the politics surrounding borders and division during their acceptance speeches.

At the formal event, Krieps (from Phantom Thread and Bergman Island) and Sarsgaard, who have recently appeared in Tim Fehlbaum’s September 5, each received a KVIFF President’s Award.

Creating a movie is a collaborative effort, and I’m pleased with some of the contributions I’ve made, even if not every part, because any actor will confirm that quality work can only thrive in an encouraging atmosphere,” Sarsgaard stated, following a massive standing ovation. “One cannot succeed alone. As my nation seems to distance itself from international obligations and seeks independence, it is also becoming fragmented by internal divisions — divisions among politics, gender, sexuality, race, and Jews debating the war.

In simpler terms, the star continued with a heartfelt appeal. “However, when we share a mutual threat, we can’t face it alone. The threats that separate us, that isolate us – we’re familiar with them,” he expressed. “Working together is the path forward – in our creative endeavors and in our wellbeing. So, thank you for this. I couldn’t have succeeded without your support.

Sarsgaard concluded his speech by referencing a quote from the former Czech president Václav Havel and one of the key figures who contributed to the collapse of communism in what was once Czechoslovakia: “A single side of a room cannot stay perpetually warm, while the other half is cold.

Krieps expressed her disapproval of division during her acceptance speech after receiving a standing ovation. She stated, “If movies aren’t abused, they can transcend borders and convey the most potent messages.” In essence, she emphasized that films don’t care about passports or where you’re from, how much money you have, whether you’re popular or not, or any other superficial factors.

She added: “I’ve never been considered cool. I’ve always lacked that status… Movies provide us with a realm to dream and harbor hope… Therefore, we should strive to preserve movies, ensuring they persist in conveying messages of love, peace, and above all, forgiveness.

Read More

2025-07-04 21:54