The big double anniversary of Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, celebrating 60 editions and 80 years, is also a jubilee for its longtime artistic director Karel Och. Starting out in 2001 as a programmer, he has been with the festival for 25 years, boosting its star power and prestige while aiming to stay true to its traditions. Halfway through the 10-day event, Karel Och found some time for an interview with Lidanoir, talking about the festival's historic consciousness, why there are no initiatives to increase diversity, inviting controversial personalities, and his hopes for the future.