Final yr’s visible id for the Karlovy Range Worldwide Movie Competition (KVIFF) rested on one thing deceptively easy: an embrace. This yr, marking the competition’s double anniversary — its sixtieth version, within the eightieth yr since its founding — the design staff has rolled out a distinct picture totally: a purple carpet, stretching out in invitation.
Jonatan Kuna, working alongside Aleš Najbrt of Prague-based design home Studio Najbrt, is the inventive drive behind this yr’s look, which can flip up all over the place from competition merchandise to the streets of the picturesque Czech spa city throughout the occasion itself. When organizers unveiled the design, the duo described it in intentionally open phrases: “The visible has been designed as merely as doable in order that it would evoke varied associations and interpretations whereas symbolizing the competition.”
THR caught up with Kuna and Najbrt to speak by way of the considering — and the historical past — behind this yr’s KVIFF id.
This yr’s visible id for KVIFF is celebrating a double anniversary. What was the inspiration for the purple carpet theme?Kuna We had been searching for a motif that might rejoice this yr’s anniversary, and our inspiration got here from what occurs on the purple carpet at festivals. We wish this yr’s competition to be not just for stars and filmmakers, however for all competition guests and movie lovers.Final yr, you had an embrace as a key function or image of the id. This yr, the theme is extra summary. How do you select between extra summary or extra particular topics, and do you attempt to swap issues up for KVIFF from yr to yr? Najbrt Sure. We all the time attempt to discover a new theme or visible idea. It’s not necessary to us whether or not it’s an abstraction, graphic design, or pictures. We’re impressed by varied themes that don’t essentially need to be immediately linked to movie. Typically it’s the setting of Karlovy Range, the place the competition takes place, different occasions it’s broader social themes.
Has there been a very tough yr when it got here to creating a visible id for the competition, and why was that yr so difficult?Najbrt It’s difficult yearly, as a result of we all the time begin from scratch and don’t need to repeat ourselves, however relatively give you one thing new. I keep in mind the forty ninth version, after we turned the quantity 49 right into a easy drawing of a little bit pig. The preliminary reactions had been very detrimental, however throughout the competition, individuals started to know the playfulness and humor, and it turned some of the fashionable ones.
How did your staff select the precise shade of purple to make use of on this yr’s visible id, and the way the purple would run — vertically versus horizontally? Kuna We selected a heat purple to seize the summer season ambiance of the competition. The purple carpet is oriented vertically, in order that it leads ahead to the competition.
Is there the rest you wish to share about your work or Studio Najbrt’s work for the competition visible id this yr or up to now?
Najbrt What’s distinctive is that we’ve been working for the competition for greater than 30 years and nonetheless have the belief of the competition’s management. That is additionally because of the truth that the authors are varied graphic designers from our studio. We have now a robust relationship with movie, and that too is linked to our long-standing collaboration.

