Industry Days at KVIFF 2025 – A Key Platform for the Audiovisual Sector

From 6 to 9 July 2025, the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival hosted the annual Industry Days, a well-established professional platform that brings together key stakeholders from the Central and Eastern European audiovisual landscape. Over the years, Industry Days has become one of the most important networking and educational events for producers, filmmakers, distributors, and film institutions in the region. The programme once again offered a rich line-up of panels, case studies, pitch presentations, and curated networking opportunities.

Participation of the Slovak Film Commission

Representatives of the Slovak Film Commission regularly attend the Industry Days programme to stay informed about current trends in audiovisual creation, project development, financing models, co-production strategies, and distribution. Participation in international forums such as this one also enables knowledge exchange, the development of strategic partnerships, and the strengthening of professional networks across the European and global film industry.

Daily Highlights of the Programme

Sunday, 6 July 2025

The professional programme opened with the Czech Film Industry Forum, which provided a comprehensive overview of the current state of the Czech audiovisual industry. Discussions addressed shifting audience behaviour, systemic support for authors, sustainable production practices, distribution beyond domestic markets, and changes in national funding schemes.
The afternoon continued with the workshop Beyond the Breakthrough, focusing on the challenges faced by emerging filmmakers after their initial success.

Monday, 7 July 2025

The morning block titled International Industry Insights provided a global perspective on current industry developments. Key topics included:

• cross-sector collaboration between literature and film (Books to Screen),

• the role of intimacy coordinators and the dismantling of stereotypes,

• the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in the creative industries,

• collaboration between Europe and Latin America,

• IP and rights strategies for independent producers,

• talent support initiatives developed by MIDPOINT,

• the need for stronger cultural diplomacy in Europe,

• the evolving role of the producer in a shifting creative landscape.

In the afternoon, two key pitching platforms took place:

• Works in Development – Feature Launch & Focus Queer
  A curated showcase of fiction projects in development, including queer narratives, competing for the Eurimages Co-production Development Award and the Works in Development Award.

• Works in Development – KVIFF Talents
  A presentation of early-stage projects supported through the KVIFF Talents incubator, aimed at nurturing original and genre-defying works across formats.

Tuesday, 8 July 2025

The day opened with a presentation of the Pop Up Series Incubator, a European development programme designed to support the advancement of high-quality serial content through mentoring, workshops, and market access.

Later that afternoon, KVIFF Central Stage showcased 14 feature film projects from Central and Eastern Europe at various stages of development, production, or post-production. This new format fosters regional collaboration and highlights new opportunities for international co-productions.

The panel discussion Streaming Obligations, Local Ambitions examined the implications of the planned audiovisual legislation reform in the Czech Republic, including new obligations for streaming platforms.

The day concluded with the KVIFF Eastern Promises Awards Ceremony, honouring the most promising projects presented within the industry programme.

Wednesday, 9 July 2025

The final day focused on television and streaming formats through the Small-Screen Forum, which addressed key topics such as:

• cross-border collaboration in series production,

• findings from content trend studies (Nostradamus Report),

• BBC approaches to screenwriter development,

• and a masterclass with director and producer Rhys Thomas.

Relevance for the Slovak Audiovisual Sector

Industry Days at Karlovy Vary offer an important opportunity for Slovak institutions, producers, and creators to establish new international connections, monitor market developments, and engage with the broader European audiovisual ecosystem. The continued presence of representatives from the Slovak Film Commission contributes to long-term relationship building, strengthens Slovakia’s international visibility, and supports the growth of co-production opportunities within the region.