Jiri Bartoska Death and Obituary – Jiri Bartoska, the celebrated Czech actor and long-standing president of the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, has passed away at the age of 78. His death was confirmed by a spokesperson for the festival, revealing that Bartoska had been battling cancer for the last 11 years. The news has left a deep void in the Czech cultural community, where he was both a beloved figure and a major force in the international film scene.
Bartoska’s passing was marked by a solemn gesture from the Karlovy Vary Film Festival. The festival blacked out its social media profile on X and shared a poignant photo of Bartoska with a black heart. His death marks the end of an era for the festival, which he helped shape into a global cinematic hub.
Bartoska’s extensive career in film and theater spanned over 70 screen credits, cementing his status as one of the Czech Republic’s most respected actors. His early career began in Brno, where he worked at a local theater before moving to Prague in 1978. He made his film debut at the age of 28 in the 1976 drama Hriste by Stepan Skalsky. His breakthrough came with his role as hunter Sokol in Jan Schmidt’s prehistoric trilogy, Settlement of Crows, On the Big River, and Call of the Tribe, which established him as a prominent figure in Czech cinema.
A key moment in his career came with his involvement in Vladimir Michalek’s Sekal Has to Die. The film, which debuted at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in 1998, saw Bartoska not only take on a leading role but also achieve the rare feat of starring in a film that was selected for the festival he would go on to preside over. The film earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Czech Lion awards, where it also won 11 accolades.
Bartoska’s contributions to Czech film extended beyond acting. In 1994, he was appointed president of the Karlovy Vary Film Festival when it returned to being an annual event after alternating with the Moscow Film Festival. This was a natural progression, given his deep involvement in the Czech film scene. Alongside artistic director Eva Zaoralova, who served from 1994 to 2010, and current director Karel Och, Bartoska helped establish Karlovy Vary as one of the most important festivals in the international circuit. His efforts brought global attention to Czech cinema and attracted a number of prestigious guests, including Michael Douglas, Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Robert De Niro, and Russell Crowe.
Bartoska’s impact on Czech culture was widely recognized. In 2017, he received an honorary Czech Lion award for his contributions to Czech filmmaking. Later, in 2023, he was awarded the Czech First-Class Medal of Merit by President Petr Pavel for his distinguished services to culture and the arts. These honors were a testament to his significant influence, both in front of the camera and as a cultural ambassador for the Czech Republic.
His amiable presence at the Karlovy Vary festival, especially his warm opening night speeches, endeared him to festivalgoers. He even became a beloved figure on festival merchandise, such as socks and mugs, showcasing his approachable and charismatic nature.
Jiri Bartoska is survived by his wife, Andrea Bartoskova, and their children, Katerina and Janek. His passing leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape Czech cinema and the Karlovy Vary Film Festival for years to come. The 59th edition of the festival, set to take place from July 4-12, 2025, will undoubtedly carry his spirit as a tribute to his life’s work and his unwavering dedication to the world of film.