Anchored in the storied, mist-wreathed valley of Western Bohemia, the Karlovy Vary Grand Film Festival is a tribute to cinematic grandeur, architectural majesty, and artistic heritage. Inspired by the city's legendary legacy as a historic sanctuary for European intellectuals, artists, and visionaries, the festival unfolds amidst grand colonnades and neoclassical elegance. It serves as a prestigious crucible for bold storytelling—where international independent auteurs, avant-garde creators, and global cinephiles converge to celebrate the profound emotional resonance of film.

Our mission is to unearth and champion uncompromising cinematic works that challenge conventions and expand the boundaries of visual narrative. We are dedicated to providing a regal and supportive stage for international filmmakers, fostering deep cultural immersion, and curating an electrifying program that bridges classic European cinematic discipline with fierce modern independence. We aim to be celebrated worldwide as a sanctuary for cinematic mastery—redefining the festival experience by fusing historical European elegance with a fearless dedication to the future of global independent storytelling.

All Officially Selected projects in each month will receive laurels and certificates. All monthly award winners will receive laurels and customized certificates and are rated on their respective IMDb pages (if applicable). Each month, most representatives of monthly award winners are screened in Stockholm.

Besides the BEST OF THE CATEGORY AWARDS, there are also OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS, CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS, AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS, and HONOURABLE MENTION AWARDS, which are given, in all categories. All monthly winners of the period from a 12-month calendar will be automatically nominated for the prestigious annual award (the best of the best) and they will be invited to attend our Annual Live Screening Gala in the presence of juries, critics, film scholars and eminent movie personalities from across the globe.
Films entered in multiple categories may win multiple awards.

By submitting your film to the selection process of INSERT RESPECTIVE FILM FESTIVAL NAME you expressly acknowledge and agree that you shall be bound by the terms of these Rules & Terms. INSERT RESPECTIVE FILM FESTIVAL NAME is open to any film regardless of content, subject, or origin. Submitting your film to INSERT RESPECTIVE FILM FESTIVAL NAME is not a guarantee of selection. Please note that we do not offer application fee waivers. We treat every filmmaker equally.

1. Films made in languages other than English must have English subtitles otherwise they will be summarily rejected.

2. Once a film is submitted to INSERT RESPECTIVE FILM FESTIVAL NAME the same film can’t be re-submitted again.

3. A director/producer may submit more than one film. INSERT RESPECTIVE FILM FESTIVAL NAME is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted for promotional purposes of the project. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements, rules, and regulations.

4. The INSERT RESPECTIVE FILM FESTIVAL NAME reserves the right to refuse entries.

5. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, and publicity.

6. The organizer will not refund any fees once the filmmaker submits his / her film. Films submitted without the correct fees or proper submission copy may be deemed ineligible at the discretion of the programming director or executive director. INSERT RESPECTIVE FILM FESTIVAL NAME does not cover any of the expenses incurred by the filmmaker.

7. After a film has been selected, the filmmaker will be notified. The ‘Selected’ status means that you can use the INSERT RESPECTIVE FILM FESTIVAL NAME Laurel on your poster & banners.

8. All submitted films will be privately screened for INSERT RESPECTIVE FILM FESTIVAL NAME judging panel, and will not be screened initially to the public.

9. “Best of the Best” films will receive a prestigious trophy and certificate.

10. Filmmakers’ submission fees will not be reimbursed if they decide to withdraw their submission. All entry fees are non-refundable.

11. We require an official trailer or poster, a synopsis, and a link to your film.

12. INSERT RESPECTIVE FILM FESTIVAL NAME may without advance notice amend these Rules & Terms from time to time. Each and every such amendment shall become effective immediately. It is your responsibility to periodically check for updates of these Rules & Terms.