Robert De Niro opens Karlovy Vary Film Festival

One of the most anticipated stars to appear at this year’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival was Robert De Niro. Thousands turned out on Friday to catch a glimpse of the actor as he walked up the red carpet at a downtown hotel. De Niro’s star turn marked the opening of the film festival and, as Rosie Johnston reports, there’s more on its way.

Robert De Niro, photo: Štěpánka Budková

Cheers and applause for perhaps the biggest name at this year’s Karlovy Vary Film Festival, Robert De Niro. On Friday night, the twice Oscar-winning actor and director ascended the red carpet at the Hotel Thermal to present his new movie ‘What Just Happened’ as the festival’s opening film.

Before the screening, Mr De Niro was presented with a Crystal Globe for his outstanding contribution to world cinema. Over the din of camera flashbulbs, he thanked those present, including Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, for the award:

Robert De Niro, photo: Štěpánka Budková

“Dobrý večer pane premiére. Correct me if I’m wrong. Važení hosté, dámy a pánové, it’s an honour to receive this beautiful crystal award at one of the greatest film festivals in the world. For this I thank you very much.”

At a news conference the following day, Mr De Niro seemed tired but continued with his Czech charm offensive, saying he was happy to be back in Karlovy Vary 18 years after his first visit. Himself the organizer of a film festival in New York, he sang the praises of such events in general - and of the festival in Karlovy Vary in particular:

Robert De Niro, photo: Štěpánka Budková

“It brings together people who really are - not just the general public, but that too - but members of the general public who really are more interested in films. And so there is a heavier concentration of that at film festivals. I enjoy coming here, that’s great. I brought my children - I want them to see the Czech Republic, the culture etc. It’s all very important.”

Robert De Niro may be the biggest star at this year’s Karlovy Vary Film Festival, but he is by no means the only one. In the next couple of days, guests such as Danny Glover, Saffron Burrows and Christopher Lee will be gracing the Western Bohemian town.