Eva Zaoralová, a popular film critic and former director of Karlovy Vary IFF, sadly passed away on Thursday, March 10, 2022.
“R.I.P. Film critic, former KarlovyVaryFF @KVIFF director, and long time #TSFF correspondent & friend #EvaZaoralová has passed away…” the tweet read.
Zaoralová was awarded the Czech Ministry of Culture Award for Contribution in the Field of Cinema & Audiovisual Work in 2020.
In 2002 she was nominated chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and in 2020 she was awarded the Czech Ministry of Culture Award for Contribution in the Field of Cinema and Audiovisual Work, for her lifelong promotion of Czech films and filmmakers abroad.
Zaoralová has received numerous domestic and international awards for her longtime activities not only with the Karlovy Vary IFF, but also for her work in film journalism, criticism, and translating.
On the occasion of the state holiday on 28 October 2010, President Václav Klaus awarded her the Medal of Merit for her work in the field of culture.
The French government made her a Knight of the Order of Art and Letters, and in 2012 she was elevated to Officer. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Cannes Film Festival, she was presented with a plaque recognizing her for her many years of journalistic activities.
She has also received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland and many other awards and commendations.