Interview with MC Marek Eben from Karlovy Fluctuate on his birthday and Hollywood stars

Czech actor and tv presenter Marek Eben is a widely known identify in his dwelling nation, and never simply because he was the long-time host of the Czech model of Dancing with the celebs.

Overseas guests to the Karlovy Fluctuate Worldwide Movie Pageant (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 city, which has unveiled a geographically various program, celebrates its sixtieth anniversary in its eightieth 12 months. After all, Eben will probably be there to guide the much-anticipated opening night time. And it seems he has his personal birthday to have a good time at this 12 months’s version.

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

When did you begin organizing KVIFF ceremonies and occasions, and the way/why did you become involved with the pageant?

I began working on the pageant a few years in the past – a lot in order that this 12 months will probably be my thirtieth version. I used to be approached by Jiří Bartoška. We knew one another earlier than; we had even filmed one thing collectively, however above all, we lived in the identical constructing. So I used to be requested to participate on this journey and I used to be completely charmed. In spite of everything, it was shortly after the Velvet Revolution.

Underneath the totalitarian regime, solely stars from the Jap bloc visited us, and now they have been actual Hollywood heavyweights. In my first 12 months, I had the chance to interview Gregory Peck; I would not have considered it, even in my wildest goals.

I learn that you’ve the nickname “Czech Mr. Good” and that this is because of your well mannered interview type. What do you consider this nickname and do you keep in mind how this nickname began?

There, you stunned me. Do individuals actually name me that? Actually, that is the primary time I’ve heard this, however I suppose I’ve a status for being a bunch who does not go after his visitors’ throats. And to let you know the reality, I might be comfortable to have it. As a result of if there’s one factor I discover disgusting, it is inviting somebody to an interview after which making them sweat – that goes in opposition to my concepts.

From a journalistic perspective, this will not be correct, however for me, the individual interviewed stays my visitor. And if you invite somebody to your own home, you additionally do not ask them how a lot they earned or why they bought divorced so many occasions.

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

Nicely, on the checklist of my largest stressors, Star Dance – as it’s referred to as right here – is unquestionably primary, and the pageant takes dwelling the silver medal. Star Dance is an especially in style present with excessive rankings in our nation, and it all the time touches you in a technique or one other. I have been doing it for 20 years now. I assumed it might get higher through the years, nevertheless it hasn’t; If something, it will get worse as a result of the general public expects extra from you.

And KVIFF, then again, has a bigger stay viewers. There are about 1,500 individuals on the opening ceremony, together with many colleagues and pricey acquaintances. And if you look out into the gang and see Michael Douglas or Johnny Depp or Michael Caine sitting there, it does not actually add to your peace of thoughts.

I learn that you simply additionally current the speak present On the swimming pool (On the Pool), wherein you interview worldwide stars. Who’re some stars or massive names you’ve got by no means met at KVIFF and by no means had in your present that you simply’d like to talk with and why?

I have been very fortunate – so far as visitors on my present go – to have had the prospect to host many extra nice individuals than I may have ever imagined. And this issues every kind of professions. If somebody had informed me my visitors can be the Dalai Lama, Invoice Gates, William Styron, or Quincy Jones, I in all probability would have requested them what sort of stuff they have been smoking.

But when I may want for anybody once more, it might in all probability be Bob Dylan or Woody Allen. However you know the way it goes: somebody sensible as soon as mentioned that the worst factor that may occur to you is on your goals to come back true. I am unsure these two enigmatic beings can be good interview companions.

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

Our band known as The Eben Brothers as a result of it is partly a household affair. I’ve two brothers and we have been enjoying collectively for about 45 years. We launched six albums which gained 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 every part as a result of nobody else desires to do it. I play a little bit guitar and piano, however fortunately we’ve got different nice musicians within the band who can do it significantly better than me, so I primarily deal with singing.

Contemplating your function in KVIFF and your work in tv, have you ever acted in any movies and what roles have you ever performed?

I first studied theater and spent half my life in numerous theaters. I filmed a number of issues for tv; the primary was a kids’s tv collection. I used to be 12 and enjoying a fats, clumsy child, which meant you could not solid a lady in that function. However my entire technology grew up with it. I hoped to eliminate this function, however individuals hold reminding me of it.

However other than that, my movie profession focuses on a single scene in a detective movie, the place I play a personality who does not actually have a identify.