Russell Crowe is standing on a stage, playing an electric guitar. He’s singing “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash, accompanied by a trumpetist, a drummer, someone at a keyboard, another guitarist, and even four backing singers. He starts rocking out to the instrumental section. The crowd, full of Czech film industry insiders, international critics, and fans, is undoubtedly entertained.
This is not yet another remake of “A Star Is Born,” but simply the kind of event you can expect to witness at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, taking place every summer in the Czech city and welcoming talent from all over the world.
First established in 1946, Kviff went through a transformation in the early 1990s following the fall of communism. Karel Och, working at the festival since 2001 and its artistic director since 2011, thinks this shift explains how spectators themselves have changed.
“They didn’t really react at Q&a’s,...
This is not yet another remake of “A Star Is Born,” but simply the kind of event you can expect to witness at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, taking place every summer in the Czech city and welcoming talent from all over the world.
First established in 1946, Kviff went through a transformation in the early 1990s following the fall of communism. Karel Och, working at the festival since 2001 and its artistic director since 2011, thinks this shift explains how spectators themselves have changed.
“They didn’t really react at Q&a’s,...
- 7/12/2023
- by Manuela Lazic
- Indiewire
From indoor ice skating feats to Russell Crowe rocking the crowd, the 57th edition of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival has launched with all its unconventional charisma intact.
Audiences who had to weather a downpour clearly showed no signs of dampened spirits as they cheered the fest’s opening gala dancers on ice skates, then rose to their feet to applaud guests Crowe and Alicia Vikander, both of whom accepted honors for their robust range of film work.
Vikander, in accepting the award of fest president Jiri Bartoska, said she was moved to be celebrated in the Czech Republic, where her international career first took off with the 2012 shoot of “A Royal Affair.”
“I had a flush of amazing memories,” she told the crowd assembled in the grand hall of the 70s-tastic Hotel Thermal. Vikander, who will be presenting “Firebrand,” said the role of Henry VIII’s surviving wife appealed...
Audiences who had to weather a downpour clearly showed no signs of dampened spirits as they cheered the fest’s opening gala dancers on ice skates, then rose to their feet to applaud guests Crowe and Alicia Vikander, both of whom accepted honors for their robust range of film work.
Vikander, in accepting the award of fest president Jiri Bartoska, said she was moved to be celebrated in the Czech Republic, where her international career first took off with the 2012 shoot of “A Royal Affair.”
“I had a flush of amazing memories,” she told the crowd assembled in the grand hall of the 70s-tastic Hotel Thermal. Vikander, who will be presenting “Firebrand,” said the role of Henry VIII’s surviving wife appealed...
- 6/30/2023
- by Will Tizard
- Variety Film + TV
Russell Crowe will receive the Crystal Globe for outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema at the 57th Karlovy Vary Film Festival (June 30-July 8). The Oscar winning actor will also deploy his musical talent with his band Indoor Garden Party, which will perform at the festival’s opening night concert. The festival also revealed Friday that Johnny Depp would appear in its trailer, which will have its premiere at the opening ceremony.
Crowe, who was born in New Zealand but moved to Australia at an early age, began his acting career at the age of 6, working in TV and theater. In 1989, he started working in Australian films, with “The Crossing”, “Proof”, and “Romper Stomper”. He won two Australian Academy Awards: supporting actor for “Proof” and best actor for “Romper Stomper.”
His first appearance in a U.S. film was alongside Gene Hackman, Sharon Stone and Leonardo DiCaprio in Sam Raimi’s...
Crowe, who was born in New Zealand but moved to Australia at an early age, began his acting career at the age of 6, working in TV and theater. In 1989, he started working in Australian films, with “The Crossing”, “Proof”, and “Romper Stomper”. He won two Australian Academy Awards: supporting actor for “Proof” and best actor for “Romper Stomper.”
His first appearance in a U.S. film was alongside Gene Hackman, Sharon Stone and Leonardo DiCaprio in Sam Raimi’s...
- 5/5/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Before the #MeToo movement started shifting social and cultural perspectives, controversies at European film festivals were triggered by the selection of polarizing movies — think Gaspar Noe or Lars von Trier films. But in recent years, festivals such as Venice, Deauville, San Sebastian and Berlin have come under criticism when inviting and/or honoring filmmakers and talent who have been accused of sexual misconduct or domestic violence.
Whereas North American festivals such as Telluride, Sundance and Toronto have been careful about who they invite, either by conviction or pragmatism, their European counterparts have chosen to disregard red flags, underscoring a widening culture gap between the two continents.
Every major fest in Europe has had its share of controversy, including Venice, which selected Roman Polanski’s “An Officer and a Spy” for competition in 2019 and saw the film receive the Grand Jury Prize. Also in 2019, Berlin faced a crisis during the inaugural...
Whereas North American festivals such as Telluride, Sundance and Toronto have been careful about who they invite, either by conviction or pragmatism, their European counterparts have chosen to disregard red flags, underscoring a widening culture gap between the two continents.
Every major fest in Europe has had its share of controversy, including Venice, which selected Roman Polanski’s “An Officer and a Spy” for competition in 2019 and saw the film receive the Grand Jury Prize. Also in 2019, Berlin faced a crisis during the inaugural...
- 9/4/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Despite an apparent last-minute sense of concern by Karlovy Vary fest organizers over international press coverage of Johnny Depp and his ongoing legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard over domestic abuse allegations, the rocker/actor/producer made his appearances without much fuss and introduced the docu he co-produced, “Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan” to welcoming crowds on Friday.
Depp’s other project at the Czech fest, the Japan-set thriller “Minamata,” filmed largely in Serbia in 2020, directed by Andrew Levitas and starring Depp as an alcoholic photojournalist, screens at Karlovy Vary’s Municipal Theater on Saturday, a historic 18th-century venue midway along the spa town’s ornate Promenade.
Taking the stage with Karlovy Vary artistic director Karel Och, the “Crock of Gold” director Julien Temple, producer Stephen Deuters and MacGowan’s wife Victoria Clarke, Depp described the filming of the 2020 rockumentary as something akin to catching and...
Depp’s other project at the Czech fest, the Japan-set thriller “Minamata,” filmed largely in Serbia in 2020, directed by Andrew Levitas and starring Depp as an alcoholic photojournalist, screens at Karlovy Vary’s Municipal Theater on Saturday, a historic 18th-century venue midway along the spa town’s ornate Promenade.
Taking the stage with Karlovy Vary artistic director Karel Och, the “Crock of Gold” director Julien Temple, producer Stephen Deuters and MacGowan’s wife Victoria Clarke, Depp described the filming of the 2020 rockumentary as something akin to catching and...
- 8/27/2021
- by Will Tizard
- Variety Film + TV
In the next two days Depp will present two films and meet the public.
International attendees at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival are split in their opinion on the festival’s decision to host a tribute to Johnny Depp today and tomorrow at the Czech event.
Depp will meet fans on the red carpet this afternoon at the main Hotel Thermal venue, before presenting a screening of Julien Temple’s documentary Crock Of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan, which the actor also produced.
Tomorrow he will present Andrew Levitas’ Minamata, which he produced and in which he also stars.
International attendees at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival are split in their opinion on the festival’s decision to host a tribute to Johnny Depp today and tomorrow at the Czech event.
Depp will meet fans on the red carpet this afternoon at the main Hotel Thermal venue, before presenting a screening of Julien Temple’s documentary Crock Of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan, which the actor also produced.
Tomorrow he will present Andrew Levitas’ Minamata, which he produced and in which he also stars.
- 8/27/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Och also discusses festival date move, Czech talents.
A “presumption of innocence” convinced Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Kviff) to honour controversial US actor-producer Johnny Depp at its 55th edition, according to artistic director Karel Och.
The festival is one of several late summer and autumn European events paying tribute to Depp, who will arrive in Karlovy Vary tomorrow (August 26). He will present screenings of Julien Temple’s Crock Of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan and Andrew Levitas’ Minamata, the latter of which he stars in and both of which he produced.
“We’re convinced that there is...
A “presumption of innocence” convinced Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Kviff) to honour controversial US actor-producer Johnny Depp at its 55th edition, according to artistic director Karel Och.
The festival is one of several late summer and autumn European events paying tribute to Depp, who will arrive in Karlovy Vary tomorrow (August 26). He will present screenings of Julien Temple’s Crock Of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan and Andrew Levitas’ Minamata, the latter of which he stars in and both of which he produced.
“We’re convinced that there is...
- 8/25/2021
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Festival director Jose Luis Rebordinos issues statement.
San Sebastian Film Festival director José Luis Rebordinos has defended the festival’s decision to honour Johnny Depp with the Donostia Award at this year’s event (September 17-25).
In 2020, Depp lost his libel case against UK tabloid The Sun after it described him as a “wife-beater” in a 2018 article.
The festival has been hit with criticism from domestic abuse charities in the UK, who have described the decision as “insulting”. The Czech Republic’s Karlovy Vary Festival has also been criticised after it too decided to honour Depp this year.
In his statement,...
San Sebastian Film Festival director José Luis Rebordinos has defended the festival’s decision to honour Johnny Depp with the Donostia Award at this year’s event (September 17-25).
In 2020, Depp lost his libel case against UK tabloid The Sun after it described him as a “wife-beater” in a 2018 article.
The festival has been hit with criticism from domestic abuse charities in the UK, who have described the decision as “insulting”. The Czech Republic’s Karlovy Vary Festival has also been criticised after it too decided to honour Depp this year.
In his statement,...
- 8/13/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Warner Music Entertainment, the film and television division of Warner Music Group, is partnering with Tina producers Lightbox to develop, produce and finance non-fiction film and TV projects.
The deal gives Lightbox owners Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinn access to Warner Music’s catalogue, which features a long roster of renowned music labels.
Lightbox has produced films including Whitney, which premiered at Cannes, Hip Hop Uncovered for FX, and Supervillain: The Making Of Tekashi 6ix9ine for Showtime.
Projects to have come out for Warner Music Entertainment include American Utopia, Shane MacGowan doc Crock Of Gold, and Genius: Aretha.
Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinn said: “This deal with Wmg will open up the vaults to an archive of amazing musical talent and rich history of songwriters and performers. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring some of Warner Music’s extraordinary artists and their stories to audiences around the world.
The deal gives Lightbox owners Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinn access to Warner Music’s catalogue, which features a long roster of renowned music labels.
Lightbox has produced films including Whitney, which premiered at Cannes, Hip Hop Uncovered for FX, and Supervillain: The Making Of Tekashi 6ix9ine for Showtime.
Projects to have come out for Warner Music Entertainment include American Utopia, Shane MacGowan doc Crock Of Gold, and Genius: Aretha.
Simon Chinn and Jonathan Chinn said: “This deal with Wmg will open up the vaults to an archive of amazing musical talent and rich history of songwriters and performers. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring some of Warner Music’s extraordinary artists and their stories to audiences around the world.
- 8/12/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Spain’s Association of Female Filmmakers and Audiovisual Media is speaking out against this week’s news that Johnny Depp will be awarded the Donostia prize at the 69th San Sebastian Film Festival next month. The festival announced Depp will be given the event’s lifetime achievement prize Wednesday, Sept. 22, referring to the actor as “one of contemporary cinema’s most talented and versatile actors.”
Cristina Andreu, the president of Spain’s Association of Female Filmmakers and Audiovisual Media, told the Associated Press (via The Guardian) that the group of women directors was “very surprised” over the decision to give Depp the Donostia prize. Depp has been accused of emotional and physical abuse by Amber Heard. Warner Bros. had Depp exit the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise last year after he lost a libel case to The Sun, which referred to Depp as a “wife beater” in an article about Depp and Heard.
Cristina Andreu, the president of Spain’s Association of Female Filmmakers and Audiovisual Media, told the Associated Press (via The Guardian) that the group of women directors was “very surprised” over the decision to give Depp the Donostia prize. Depp has been accused of emotional and physical abuse by Amber Heard. Warner Bros. had Depp exit the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise last year after he lost a libel case to The Sun, which referred to Depp as a “wife beater” in an article about Depp and Heard.
- 8/12/2021
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
The 55th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Aug. 20-28) will honor Michael Caine and Johnny Depp.
Two time Oscar winner Caine is this year’s festival special guest and will be presented with a Crystal Globe for outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema at the festival’s opening ceremony.
At the festival, Caine will personally present the comedy drama “Best Sellers” (2021), director Lina Roessler’s feature film debut in which he portrays a cranky old author who sets out on one final book tour.
When he received his first Oscar for best supporting actor for “Hannah and Her Sisters,” it was his fourth nomination for the Academy Awards, having been previously nominated for “Alfie,” “Sleuth,” and “Educating Rita.” In 2000, he received his second Oscar for his performance in the film adaption of the bestselling book “The Cider House Rules” and in 2003 he was again nominated for “The Quiet American.”
The festival will also honor actor,...
Two time Oscar winner Caine is this year’s festival special guest and will be presented with a Crystal Globe for outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema at the festival’s opening ceremony.
At the festival, Caine will personally present the comedy drama “Best Sellers” (2021), director Lina Roessler’s feature film debut in which he portrays a cranky old author who sets out on one final book tour.
When he received his first Oscar for best supporting actor for “Hannah and Her Sisters,” it was his fourth nomination for the Academy Awards, having been previously nominated for “Alfie,” “Sleuth,” and “Educating Rita.” In 2000, he received his second Oscar for his performance in the film adaption of the bestselling book “The Cider House Rules” and in 2003 he was again nominated for “The Quiet American.”
The festival will also honor actor,...
- 8/10/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Caine will receive the Crystal Globe Award for Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema at the 2021 Karlovy Vary Film Festival, Kviff organizers announced on Tuesday.
Caine will receive the award, the festival’s highest honor, at the Karlovy Vary’s opening ceremony on Aug. 20. He will also present the film “Best Sellers,” the directorial debut of Lina Roessler, in which he plays an author embarking on one final book tour.
Johnny Depp will also attend the festival to present screenings of two films he produced, the documentary “Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan” and the drama “Minamata,” in which he also plays a photographer who documented the effects of mercury poisoning in Japan.
The festival will also give the Kviff Presidents Award to veteran Czech director Jan Svěrák, whose film “The Ride” won the Crystal Globe for best film at Karlovy Vary in 1995.
Previously, Kviff announced that...
Caine will receive the award, the festival’s highest honor, at the Karlovy Vary’s opening ceremony on Aug. 20. He will also present the film “Best Sellers,” the directorial debut of Lina Roessler, in which he plays an author embarking on one final book tour.
Johnny Depp will also attend the festival to present screenings of two films he produced, the documentary “Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan” and the drama “Minamata,” in which he also plays a photographer who documented the effects of mercury poisoning in Japan.
The festival will also give the Kviff Presidents Award to veteran Czech director Jan Svěrák, whose film “The Ride” won the Crystal Globe for best film at Karlovy Vary in 1995.
Previously, Kviff announced that...
- 8/10/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The actor will receive the Donostia Award at the festival’s 69th edition.
Johnny Depp will receive the Donostia Award at 69th San Sebastian International Film Festival (September 17-25).
The award, the festival’s highest honour, will be presented to him on September 22 in the Kursaal Auditorium.
It will be Depp’s third visit to the festival following his appearance in 2020 for Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan, which he produced, and a brief appearance in 1998 with Terry Gilliam.
In a statement, San Sebastian described him as “one of contemporary cinema’s most talented and versatile actors...
Johnny Depp will receive the Donostia Award at 69th San Sebastian International Film Festival (September 17-25).
The award, the festival’s highest honour, will be presented to him on September 22 in the Kursaal Auditorium.
It will be Depp’s third visit to the festival following his appearance in 2020 for Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds With Shane MacGowan, which he produced, and a brief appearance in 1998 with Terry Gilliam.
In a statement, San Sebastian described him as “one of contemporary cinema’s most talented and versatile actors...
- 8/9/2021
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
Johnny Depp has shared a holiday message to his followers on Instagram.
Various Hollywood icons have reached out to their fans via social media this festive season to wish them a merry Christmas, and the former Pirates of the Caribbean star is the latest to do so, sharing a post on December 27th that acknowledges the tough year we’ve all had over the past 12 months, as well as alluding to the personal troubles Depp himself has faced in 2020.
“This year has been so hard for so many,” he said in his message. “Here’s to a better time ahead. Happy Holidays, everyone! My love and respect to you all. Eternally, Jd. X” His words came along with a black and white photo taken from behind the scenes of Crock of Gold, a new documentary centering on Pogues frontman Shane McGowan that Depp produced and which released earlier this month.
Various Hollywood icons have reached out to their fans via social media this festive season to wish them a merry Christmas, and the former Pirates of the Caribbean star is the latest to do so, sharing a post on December 27th that acknowledges the tough year we’ve all had over the past 12 months, as well as alluding to the personal troubles Depp himself has faced in 2020.
“This year has been so hard for so many,” he said in his message. “Here’s to a better time ahead. Happy Holidays, everyone! My love and respect to you all. Eternally, Jd. X” His words came along with a black and white photo taken from behind the scenes of Crock of Gold, a new documentary centering on Pogues frontman Shane McGowan that Depp produced and which released earlier this month.
- 12/28/2020
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Johnny Depp, who last month lost his high-profile label case against British newspaper The Sun over an article that called him a “wife beater,” posted a holiday message to his fans on Instagram Saturday.
“This year has been so hard for so many,” the Pirates of the Caribbean wrote. “Here’s to a better time ahead.”
While Depp likely refers to the devastating coronavirus pandemic, which has taken the lives of 1.8 million people worldwide, 2020 has been difficult for him too, both personally and professionally, with his career in jeopardy. Shortly after a High Court court ruled against the actor, he also lost his starring role in Warner Bros.’ Fantastic Beasts movie franchise.
But earlier this month, Depp turned to the UK Court Of Appeal in a bid to overturn the verdict.
Depp wrote his holiday message next to a black-and-white photo with Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan on the set of the documentary Crock of Gold,...
“This year has been so hard for so many,” the Pirates of the Caribbean wrote. “Here’s to a better time ahead.”
While Depp likely refers to the devastating coronavirus pandemic, which has taken the lives of 1.8 million people worldwide, 2020 has been difficult for him too, both personally and professionally, with his career in jeopardy. Shortly after a High Court court ruled against the actor, he also lost his starring role in Warner Bros.’ Fantastic Beasts movie franchise.
But earlier this month, Depp turned to the UK Court Of Appeal in a bid to overturn the verdict.
Depp wrote his holiday message next to a black-and-white photo with Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan on the set of the documentary Crock of Gold,...
- 12/28/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
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