05-07-2011

FNE at KVIFF: Jihlava Doc Fest Extends Deadline and Reveals 15th Anniversary Plans

By Cathy Meils

    KARLOVY VARY: Jihlava IDFF doc fest (25-30 October 2011, www.dokument-festival.cz) director Marek Hovorka announced plans for two new events as the festival marks its 15th anniversary.

    The festival will launch an Inspiration Forum, with three European experts from disciplines outside the field of film will meet one-on-one with 15 documentary directors to foster ideas for documentary films. "When I was younger and hitch-hiking, every time I told someone I was involved with documentaries, they would tell me their own ideas," Hovorka told FNE over champagne and strawberry cake at the Jihlava IDFF reception held at the Karlovy Vary IFF (www.kviff.com).

    The festival will also revive a workshop on festival identity for fest directors and programmers. A first edition was held three years ago, but financial restrictions prevented its return until now.

    A new award will also bow for the 15th anniversary: a competition for "the most beautiful festival poster," with a professional jury award and a public award.

    The Jihlava IDFF has extended its application deadline until 15 July 2011.