The Karlovy Vary Film Festival has fundamentally revised and extended its industry programme, the so-called Industry Days. From 6 to 9 July, industry professionals will have more time and new opportunities to network and drive projects forward.

A central goal of the reorganisation is the increased promotion of co-productions from Central Europe. Countries such as Poland, Germany and Austria are moving more into the spotlight alongside the Czech Republic. The new "Central Stage" will present 13 feature film projects from this region that are at an advanced stage of production. Unlike in the past, there will be no classic pitch presentations, but rather interactive discussions in which filmmakers and their co-operation models will be examined in more detail.

Another focus is on the small screen: For the first time, there will be a dedicated platform for series productions. The festival is working together with Central European Media Enterprises to offer a diverse programme of screenings, panels and workshops on TV and streaming projects.

A particular highlight is the newly introduced "Pop-Up Series Incubator". In this eight-month development programme, European producers and screenwriters receive targeted support to further develop and present their own ideas for series. At the kick-off event in Karlovy Vary, creative teams will present their concepts - from Romania to Greece and France, there will be exciting projects based on true events or literary sources.

The festival also remains true to its commitment to up-and-coming filmmakers. The KVIFF Talents programme promotes young talent from the Czech Republic and Slovakia with financial support, mentoring and presentation opportunities. This year, six projects were selected, including feature films and series, which will be presented to an international audience of professionals during the festival.

Proven programme items such as the "Works in Development" format and the focus on queer film projects are also part of the offer. Here, filmmakers can compete for development funding and prizes, which increases their chances of international co-productions.

With the expanded Industry Days programme, the Karlovy Vary Film Festival aims to consolidate its position as the leading platform for Central Europe as a film and media location and at the same time open up new ways of collaboration and project development - be it in the cinema or on the screen.

Variety reports in detail.