03-07-2023

FNE at KVIFF 2023: Russell Crowe Leads Star Studded Kick Off of 57th Edition

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    Johnny Depp in 57th KVIFF Official Trailer Johnny Depp in 57th KVIFF Official Trailer credit: Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary

    KARLOVY VARY: The 57th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (30 June - 8 July 2023) kicked off with a star studded opening ceremony and gala party with Russell Crowe and his band The Indoor Garden party giving a free outdoor concert despite the traditional opening night downpour of rain earlier in the evening. The music went on until well after midnight with Crowe joking with the audience who cheered and shouted their approval.

    Russell Crowe received the festival’s Crystal Globe for outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema earlier at the opening ceremony with MC Marek Eben and hosted by festival president Jiří Bartoška. Russell Crowe accepting the award said: “I’ve been to so many film festivals that are completely disorganised and absolute hellscapes. But I have to congratulate the organisers of this festival, it runs like clockwork, everything’s on time.”

    Alicia Vikander, the star of the opening film Firebrand, also received a Crystal Globe. She was accompanied by her husband Michael Fassbender at the after party. 

    But Russell Crowe was not the only actor with a band to dominate the opening ceremony. Johnny Depp, who was last year’s star guest, was invited to create a festival trailer for this year’s edition, which was shown at the opening ceremony. The short film showed Depp doing a parody of himself being interviewed about his visit to the Karlovy Vary Festival and being asked if he received an award at the festival. The trailer drew laughs and delighted the audience.

    Other stars expected to grace the festival red carpet this year include Robin Wright and Ewan McGregor.