Mel Gibson to star in 50th Karlovy Vary festival trailer

Mel Gibson, who was given a lifetime achievement award at last year’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF) in the Czech Republic, will appear in the trailer shown before the screenings at this year’s 50th anniversary event, festival organisers announced earlier this week.

KVIFF’s trailers are an important part of the festival’s tradition, being shot each year by renowned local directors and starring both domestic and international film stars. Trailers in previous years have featured Hollywood A-list stars such as Helen Mirren, Harvey Keitel and John Malkovic.

KVIFF, held in the resort town of Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, is one of the oldest film festivals in the world and shares its place among Europe’s top film showcases with Cannes, Venice and Berlin. This year it will take place from 3-11 July.

Last year Jewish Czech groups protested against the festival’s decision to grant Gibson the award, citing antisemitic comments he had made previously.