02-07-2011

FNE at KVIFF 2011: Lifetime achievement award for Dame Judi Dench

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    KARLOVY VARY: The 46th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (www.kviff.com) opened with a lifetime achievement award for Dame Judi Dench at the opening ceremony 1 July 2011. The much awarded British actress accepted the festival's Crystal Globe from fest helmer Jiri Bartoska with a moving speech and received a standing ovation from the audience followed by the screening of her latest film Jane Eyre directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga Dench said she had been in the Czech Republic many times as she had friends living in Prague. Fukunaga was in Karlovy Vary to present the film.

    {mosimage}Czech President Vaclav Klaus and Czech Minister of Culture Jiri Besser were also present for the opening which was hosted as usual by Czech star Marek Eben.

    This year’s edition of the festival is the first under the direction of Karel Och as artistic director and the opening ceremony started with a simulated attack on Karlovy Vary by aliens from outer space. More surprises are expected throughout the event as Och takes the helm while long time former artistic director Eva Zaoralova was still very much present in her new role as Artistic Consultant. Krystof Much continues as executive director.