The Karlovy Vary International film festival (KVIFF) is gearing up for its 60th edition in the 80th year of its existence, and this year’s visual identity is making waves. Designed by the talented team at Studio Najbrt led by Jonatan Kuna and Aleš Najbrt the new look is an invitation to all film lovers, not just the stars and filmmakers.
The festival’s visual identity is more than just a logo; it’s a symbol of the event’s spirit and a celebration of cinema. This year, the design team has chosen a red carpet as the central motif, a universal symbol of glamour and celebration in the film industry. The red carpet, oriented vertically, is meant to lead viewers forward into the festival experience.
The Inspiration Behind the Red Carpet Theme
The choice of a red carpet as the theme for this year’s visual identity was inspired by the festival’s own traditions. Jonatan Kuna explained, “We were looking for a motif that would celebrate this year’s anniversary, and our inspiration came from what happens on the red carpet at festivals. We want this year’s festival to be not only for stars and filmmakers, but for all festival visitors and film lovers.”
The red carpet is a familiar sight at film festivals, symbolizing the glamour and excitement of the event. By incorporating this element into the visual identity, the design team aimed to evoke a sense of anticipation and celebration. The warm red color was chosen to capture the summer atmosphere of the festival, making it inviting and vibrant.
The Creative Process and Design Philosophy
The design team at Studio Najbrt is known for its innovative and creative approach to visual identity. For the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, they strive to create a design that is both simple and evocative. Aleš Najbrt shared, “The visual has been designed as simply as possible so that it might evoke various associations and interpretations while symbolizing the festival.”
Each year, the team aims to find a new theme or visual concept. They are not limited to film-related themes but draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, including the setting of Karlovy Vary and broader social themes. This year, the red carpet theme was chosen for its universal appeal and its ability to symbolize the inclusive nature of the festival.
The Challenge of Creating a New Design Each Year
Creating a new visual identity for the festival each year is no small task. The team at Studio Najbrt faces the challenge of coming up with something fresh and exciting without repeating themselves. Aleš Najbrt recalled, “It’s challenging every year, because we always start from scratch and don’t want to repeat ourselves, but rather come up with something new.”
One particularly memorable year was the 49th edition of the festival, when the team turned the number 49 into a simple drawing of a little pig. Initially, the reaction was mixed, but by the end of the festival, it had become one of the most popular designs. This experience highlights the team’s ability to think outside the box and create designs that resonate with the festival’s audience.
The Significance of the Red Carpet Orientation
The orientation of the red carpet in the visual identity is not just a design choice; it carries a deeper meaning. The vertical orientation of the red carpet is meant to lead viewers forward into the festival experience. Jonatan Kuna explained, “The red carpet is oriented vertically, so that it leads forward to the festival.”
This design choice reflects the festival’s mission to bring people together and create a shared experience. The red carpet is a symbol of inclusion, inviting all visitors to participate in the celebration of cinema. The warm red color adds to the inviting atmosphere, making the festival feel accessible and welcoming to everyone.
The Legacy of Studio Najbrt and the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
The collaboration between Studio Najbrt and the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is a long-standing one. The studio has been working with the festival for more than 30 years, a testament to the trust and respect between the two entities. Aleš Najbrt shared, “What’s exceptional is that we’ve been working for the festival for more than 30 years and still have the trust of the festival’s leadership.”
This long-standing collaboration has allowed the studio to develop a deep understanding of the festival’s values and goals. The team at Studio Najbrt is committed to creating designs that reflect the festival’s spirit and celebrate the art of cinema. Their work has become an integral part of the festival’s identity, contributing to its success and reputation as one of the world’s premier film events.
