Mike Downey is one of the European’s leading and most active producer of independent film from UK.He was a guest of FebioFest and although we never heard about him before, we soon had nothing but admiration and praise for him and his work and attitude. Mike is very friendly and articulate person who speaks very clear English and makes sure every word is understanable and clear. He doesn’ t beat about the bush, once the question is placed, without a second of hesitation he answers matter-of- factly with humor underneath it, so whole interview was very funny and full of laugh.You can ask him about everything and he always has a good reply. When asked what his political orientation is, he said with laugh that he is “champagne socialist”.

Kim Novak was the star guest of recent FebioFest.This actress was top box office star in mid 50’ s, her parents are of Czech descent.She is most known for her role in Hitchkock’ s movie “Vertigo” and she voluntarily left Hollywood since it was too much for her.She liked it on the festival so much that she prolonged her stay for couple of days.We met her three times in 2 days and were able to talk to her in her suite or almost 30 mins.She was very nice and approachable.

If we got an offer to have a dinner with an artist, we would have chosen much awarded French director J.J. Annaud.Despite his fame he is modest, kind, friendly, talks very interestingly and is witty.He was a guest star of current FebioFest where he not only received the main price Kristian but also showed in premiere his new film Wolf Totem. We talked not only about his new film.

Fero Fenič is one of our best independent director, who tried to make things his own way, shoot meaningfull documements, say something about given topic. Born in Slovakia but living for decades in Czech Republic, he never bent or compromised.To be able to do what he wanted, he set up his own company Febio which also helped other filmmakers. Then to build a platform he established FebioFest, one of the biggest independent festivals in Europe He loves travelling and is very thoughtfull, educated and kind person.

In showbusiness there are people who didn´t do a lot but papers report about them every day for all wrong reasons.And then, there are people who achieved so much but press ignores them, unfairly. To the group of latter belongs  Czech director, animator and actress Michaela Pavlátová.

She was born in Prague, Czech Republic in 1961.In 1987 she graduated from Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague.Her animated films received many international awards all over the World, be it Montreal, Tampere, Berlin, Hiroshima or Stuttgart.In  1993 she was nominated for Academy Award for her film “ Řeči, řeči, řečičky” Since 1998 she worked in San Francisco as art director with company Wildbrain Inc and also taught  on San Francisco University and on Harvard University. She returned to Prague back in 2002.She is very versatile artist since not only did she direct animated films, she also directed feature film and acted herself in 5 movies. She made no bones and was honest in her replies which produced one of the most interesting interviews we have made so far.