Numerous leading directors, actors and other representatives of Czech culture walked up the red carpet. Among those welcomed to Slovanský dům by moderator Vlastimil Korec were the minister of culture, Lubomír Zaorálek, Prague 1 councillor Petr Hejma, director Olga Sommerová, the actresses Iva Janžurová, Dana Morávková and Hana Vagnerová, director Slávek Horák and numerous other well-known names.
After festival president Fero Fenič declared the festival underway a Kristián award was presented to an icon of Czech cinema, Iva Janžurová. A second recipient, Milan Lasica, was unfortunately unable to attend so his prize was received by Roman Lajciak, deputy director of Prague’s Slovak Institute. However, the festival has reminded viewers of Lasica’s acting prowess with a screening of The Three Veterans. The pictures Morgiana, Eeny Meeny and Boarding House for Bachelors are being shown in honour of Iva Janžurová.
The awards presentation was followed by a pre-premiere of the hotly anticipated documentary Karel by Olga Malířová Špátová.