The inaugural Book-to-Screen showcase at the 60th edition of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) took place on Tuesday, featuring a variety of literary works from Central and Eastern Europe suited for film and TV adaptations. Hugo Rosák, head of KVIFF Film Industry Programs, stated, “Our long-term ambition with Book-to-Screen at KVIFF is to become a true Central-Eastern European IP market that helps develop dialogue between the film and publishing industries.”
Exploring Literary Works for Screen Adaptation
During the event, eight original literary intellectual properties (IPs) were showcased at the Imperial Spa in Karlovy Vary. The selected works span genres from historical drama to children’s literature, each with unique narratives and themes that resonate with audiences.
The KVIFF serves as a platform for connecting writers and filmmakers, aiming to create a transparent environment for adaptation rights in the region. This initiative highlights the rich cultural narratives present in Central and Eastern Europe and their potential for screen storytelling.
Diverse Genres and Unique Narratives
Among the highlighted works, Cupid at the Kremlin Wall by Aka Morchiladze stands out as a historical drama set during Stalin's regime in the 1930s. The protagonist is described as a “woman of action who is stubborn” and intertwines fiction with historical reality.
- Title: Cupid at the Kremlin Wall
- Author: Aka Morchiladze
- Genre: Historical drama, detective novel
- Publisher: Sulakauri Publishing
Another notable mention is Playing Wolf by Zuzana Říhová, a folk horror psychological thriller. The narrative revolves around a couple moving from the city to a remote village, where unsettling events unfold.
