Marek Eben Hosts KVIFF Ceremonies With Hollywood Stars and the Czech ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ Which One Is Extra Irritating?

Czech actor and TV presenter Marek Eben is a family identify in his residence nation, and never solely as a result of he has lengthy featured because the host of the Czech model of Dancing With the Stars.

Overseas guests to the Karlovy Differ International Movie Competition (KVIFF) may also acknowledge him because the host of the favored opening and shutting ceremonies, making him one of many public faces of KVIFF.

This 12 months, the pageant within the Czech spa town, which unveiled a geographically diverse lineup, is celebrating its 60th anniversary edition in its eightieth 12 months. In fact, Eben shall be available to steer by way of the much-anticipated opening evening. And, because it seems, he has his personal anniversary to have a good time at this 12 months’s version.

Forward of all of the actions, celebrations, star appearances and screenings at Karlovy Differ, THR requested the Czech movie star about how late legendary Czech actor and long-time fest president Jiří Bartoška, who died final Might, introduced him to the pageant and about his starring roles at KVIFF and past.

When did you begin internet hosting KVIFF ceremonies and occasions, and the way/why did you get entangled with the pageant?

I began working on the pageant a few years in the past – so many who this 12 months shall be my thirtieth run. I used to be approached by Jiří Bartoška. We had recognized one another earlier than; we had even shot one thing collectively, however most significantly, we lived in the identical constructing. So, I bought a suggestion to participate on this journey, and I used to be completely charmed by it. In any case, it was shortly after the Velvet Revolution.

Underneath the totalitarian regime, solely stars from the Jap Bloc would go to us at most, and now these have been actual Hollywood heavyweights. Proper in my first 12 months, I had the chance to interview Gregory Peck; I wouldn’t have considered that even in my wildest desires.

I learn that you’ve got the nickname of the “Czech Mr. Nice” and that this has to do together with your well mannered interview fashion. How do you’re feeling about that nickname, and do you keep in mind how that nickname began?

You shocked me there. Do folks actually name me that? Truthfully, that is the primary time I’m listening to it, however I suppose I do have a fame as a bunch who doesn’t go after his company’ throats. And to inform you the reality, I’d be glad to have it. As a result of if there’s one factor I discover repulsive, it’s inviting somebody for an interview after which making them sweat – that simply goes in opposition to my grain.

From a journalistic perspective, it may not be right, however to me, the interviewee remains to be my visitor. And while you invite somebody to your own home, you don’t ask them how a lot they made or why they bought divorced so many occasions both.

Along with your work as KVIFF host, you additionally host the Czech model of Dancing With the Stars. Is that or KVIFF extra hectic for a bunch, and why?

Properly, on the checklist of my largest stressors, StarDance – because it’s known as right here – is certainly primary, and the pageant takes the silver medal. StarDance is an immensely common present with excessive rankings in our nation, and that all the time will get to you someway. I’ve been doing it for 20 years now. I believed it could get higher over time, however it doesn’t; if something, it will get worse as a result of the viewers expects extra from you.

And KVIFF, alternatively, has a bigger dwell viewers. There are about 1,500 folks on the opening ceremony, together with many colleagues and acquaintances you care about. And while you look out into the gang and see Michael Douglas, Johnny Depp, or Michael Caine sitting there, it doesn’t precisely add to your peace of thoughts.

I learn you additionally current the discuss present Na plovárně (On the Swimming Pool), wherein you interview worldwide stars. Who’re stars or large names you have got by no means met at KVIFF and by no means had in your present, who you’ll love to speak with and why?

I’ve been very fortunate that – in terms of company on my present – I’ve had the possibility to welcome way more nice personalities than I might have ever imagined. And that’s throughout all kinds of professions. If somebody had informed me that my company can be the Dalai Lama, Invoice Gates, William Styron, or Quincy Jones, I most likely would have requested what sort of stuff they have been smoking.

But when I might nonetheless want for somebody, it could most likely be Bob Dylan or Woody Allen. However you understand how it goes – somebody clever as soon as stated that the worst factor that may occur to you is to your desires to return true. I’m undecided if these two enigmatic beings can be good interview companions.

I heard you have got additionally performed in a band. Are you able to inform us about your music work or profession, the identify of your band and what music it makes or made? And what instrument do you play, and do you additionally sing?

Our band known as The Eben Brothers as a result of it truly is partly a household affair. I’ve two brothers, and we’ve been taking part in collectively for about 45 years. We’ve launched six albums, which received 5 Anděl Awards—the Czech equal of the American Grammys. We play unique materials; I write all of the music and lyrics, and I additionally need to sing all of it as a result of no person else desires to do it. I play a little bit of guitar and piano, however fortuitously, we’ve got different nice musicians within the band who can do it significantly better than I can, so I largely simply concentrate on singing.

Given your function at KVIFF and your TV work, have you ever acted in any movies, and what roles did you play?

I initially studied performing and spent half my life in varied theaters. I filmed a couple of issues for tv; the primary was a youngsters’s TV sequence. I used to be 12, and I performed a fats, clumsy child, which meant you couldn’t choose up any women with that function. However my total technology grew up on it. I hoped I’d eliminate that function, however folks nonetheless remind me of it.

Apart from that, nevertheless, my movie profession is concentrated right into a single scene in some detective film, the place I play a personality who doesn’t also have a identify.