When Jiří Bartoška and film publicist Eva Zaoralová took over the leadership of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) more than thirty years ago, they had no government support and only hoped they could save the event from cancellation. But they achieved much more. They built a team of loyal professionals around them, elevating the festival to the ranks of Europe’s finest, attracting the biggest stars of the film world.
Thursday’s news of the death of Jiří Bartoška, the charismatic actor and longtime president of the film festival, also struck his close colleagues. Jan Jírovec, a board member of KVIFF Group and investment partner at Rockaway Capital, shared his memories of this leading figure of Czech film and culture for Hospodářské noviny. The interview was conducted by Gabriela Marešová.
What did Jiří Bartoška mean to you?
That’s a hard question to answer right now, because the full scope of Jiří Bartoška’s legacy will only dawn on us over time. Despite yesterday’s sad news, I’m very grateful to have had the honor of being his close friend. Over the years we knew each other, I heard many stories and learned life lessons from him. He was an immensely charismatic, inspiring, honest, and generous person who valued truth and doing what’s right. He influenced not only my view of culture but also of the world as a whole.
Do you remember your first meeting?
I met Mr. Bartoška and his team eight years ago, when we at Mall.cz became partners of the Karlovy Vary festival. From that point, we gradually grew closer, and in 2021, as Rockaway Capital, we became their strategic investor. Our negotiations were very specific — I’ve never experienced a transaction like that, and I will always look back on our business meetings with a smile.
Did you learn from him about the world of big films?
Rather than the world of films themselves, he gave me the opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes of the film industry and the artistic world in general. And that was mainly thanks to his personality and the influence he wielded.
In what way was Jiří Bartoška exceptional?
He had a remarkable talent for surrounding himself with a strong and loyal team. Thanks to his charisma, he was able to transform the festival into what it is today. At the same time, he was an extraordinary person who always put his family and closest friends first and was willing to help them under any circumstances.
Do you have a personal memory of him that immediately comes to mind when you hear the name “Barťák”?
There are so many special memories. But I will never forget our drive from Prague to Karlovy Vary just before the 56th edition of the festival. Together with Jiří and Kryštof Mucha (executive director of the KVIFF), we reminisced in the car about various people and life stories while listening to the hits of Meky Žbirka. Those were two unforgettable hours that I will always cherish.
Can you imagine the Karlovy Vary film festival without Jiří Bartoška?
Jiří Bartoška will always remain a part of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. But he also surrounded himself with excellent people like Kryštof Mucha, Karel Och (artistic director), and Petr Lintimer (head of festival production), who worked with him for many years. I believe that thanks to them, the festival will continue to uphold his spirit and the high standards he set.
9th May, 2025, Hospodářské noviny