Czech news in brief for July 5: Saturday's top headlines

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival launched the Filmmakers Lounge on July 5, providing a new space for Czech and international audiovisual professionals to meet, network, and learn through July 12. Culture Minister Martin Baxa highlighted recent legal reforms and increased funding—CZK 47 million annually—for the Czech film sector. The State Audiovisual Fund will expand incentives from 20 percent to 25 percent starting in September to boost industry competitiveness.

Town halls in 1,626 Moravian towns across five regions raised the Moravian flag Thursday to mark the anniversary of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The event, organized by the Moravian National Community, included South Moravia, Zlín, Olomouc, Moravia-Silesia, and Vysocina regions. Participation has grown from 75 towns in 2010 to 1,626 this year, marking the 16th consecutive year of the flag-raising tradition in Moravia’s historical territory.

Oscar-winning actor and producer Michael Douglas arrived in Karlovy Vary Saturday to attend the 59th International Film Festival. His visit marks the 50th anniversary of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the first film he produced. Douglas and co-producer Paul Zaentz will present a restored version of the classic alongside director Miloš Forman’s family. Douglas last attended the festival in 1998, when he received a lifetime achievement award.

Meteorologists have issued a heat warning for Moravia and Silesia on Sunday, with temperatures expected to exceed 31 degrees Celsius from noon to 6 p.m. A fire risk alert has also been expanded to include northwest Pilsen and much of northern Bohemia. The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute said the warnings reflect a peak in warm air ahead of an incoming cold front. Cooler weather and rain are forecast to follow early next week, bringing relief from the ongoing heatwave.

 Around 30,000 people gathered Saturday in Velehrad (Zlín region) for the National Pilgrimage, marking the Czech holiday honoring Saints Cyril and Methodius. The two-day event, including Friday’s Days of People of Good Will, drew about 50,000 visitors overall, similar to last year, organizers said. A pilgrimage mass was held in front of the basilica, accompanied by musicians and costumed participants. The celebration featured concerts, charity efforts, and religious activities honoring the Slavic missionaries’ legacy.

Czechia today observes Saints Cyril and Methodius Day: a national holiday that honors the two brothers who brought Christianity and created the Glagolitic alphabet, laying the foundation for the Cyrillic script and Slavic cultural heritage. Regional celebrations are expected, and this public holiday does not entail any mandatory store closures. No days off are given in lieu. Read more here.

Power has been fully restored across the Czech Republic following a major blackout Friday that initially left one million customers without electricity. The outage, which began around noon, was caused by a cascading failure triggered by a ruptured high-voltage cable, officials said. Affected regions included Prague, Central and Eastern Bohemia, Liberec, and Usti. By mid-afternoon, all substations were back online, according to transmission operator ČEPS.

Thousands of people remained without electricity Friday evening, more than seven hours after a major power outage struck parts of Czechia. Grid operator ČEPS said all substations were back online by 2:50 p.m., but restoration in regional networks is ongoing. Energy firm ČEZ reported 225,000 customers still affected, mainly in Ústí nad Labem, Central Bohemia, and Liberec. Officials are regulating power flow to avoid further overloads.

The 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival opened Friday with a tribute to longtime president Jiří Bartoška, who died in May. Held at the Thermal Hotel’s Grand Hall, the ceremony, directed by the Caban brothers, featured remembrances from host Marek Eben. Festival directors will present the President’s Award to actors Peter Sarsgaard and Vicky Krieps. A new festival jingle by Ivan Zachariáš, starring Bolek Polívka, premiered at the event.

 American actor Peter Sarsgaard and Luxembourg actress Vicky Krieps received the President’s Award at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on Friday. The honors were presented by festival directors Krystof Mucha and Karel Och at the Thermal Hotel’s Grand Hall. In tribute, the festival will screen Shattered Glass and Love Me Tender. Both actors were recognized for their acclaimed film careers and contributions to international cinema.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský met outgoing Colombian counterpart Laura Sarabia in Prague on Friday to discuss bilateral cooperation, Ukraine, and trans-Atlantic ties, Lipavský’s ministry said. Despite resigning Thursday, Sarabia remains in office until replaced. She and Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Jan Marian officially reopened Colombia’s embassy in Prague. According to officials, business opportunities were also discussed. Colombia is the fourth country to open an embassy in Czechia since 2022, joining Rwanda, Qatar, and the UAE.