The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, a global cinematic celebration, showcases films from diverse corners of the world. This year's 60th edition, marking the fest's 80th anniversary, highlights the festival's commitment to showcasing non-European cinemas, a decision made by one of its founders.
What makes this festival unique is its reliance on interpreters like Helena Koutná, who give voice to filmmakers from various linguistic backgrounds. Koutná, a regular at KVIFF, effortlessly handles interpretations, ensuring that audiences can engage with filmmakers and their works.
In an interview, Koutná shares her journey as an interpreter. She reveals that her work at KVIFF began in 1997, and since then, she has been part of a dedicated team of interpreters, facilitating communication between filmmakers and audiences. Her language skills, particularly in English and Russian, have been instrumental in this process.
Koutná's work extends beyond KVIFF. She interprets at other film festivals, such as the One World documentary festival and the Ji.hlava international documentary festival. She also works with the EU institutions, covering a diverse range of topics. Her specialization lies in legal negotiations and arbitration hearings, showcasing the breadth of her interpreting skills.
Interpreting at film festivals is a unique challenge. Koutná describes it as a distinct discipline, where interpreters must navigate sudden shifts in language and tone, jokes, and references. The goal is to ensure that non-native speakers have the same experience as native speakers, conveying not just the content but also the emotions and gestures of the speaker.
Koutná has had the privilege of meeting numerous Hollywood stars and directors over the years. She speaks fondly of Susan Sarandon, Barry Levinson, and Alexander Payne, among others, highlighting their professionalism and humility. These encounters, she says, are always special, especially when she has had the opportunity to work on films she admires.
Koutná's love for languages began at a young age, and her educational background in translation and interpreting has equipped her with the skills to excel in her profession. She believes that learning languages and understanding different cultures is not just about communication but also about experiencing the local sounds, flavors, and smells when traveling.
When asked about AI's potential threat to her work, Koutná acknowledges AI's rapid development but emphasizes its limitations. AI translations, she says, lack depth and variety and struggle with cultural nuances and accents. While AI interpreting may become acceptable in certain situations, human interpreting will likely remain preferable for complex topics, emotional contexts, and security reasons.
Koutná's work as an interpreter goes beyond language barriers. She believes that interpreters enhance human interaction, making experiences more enriching and efficient. Their preparation and attention to detail ensure smooth communication, and their presence can bring a smile to everyone involved.
In conclusion, Helena Koutná's story highlights the crucial role of interpreters in the world of cinema. Her dedication and expertise ensure that filmmakers and audiences can connect, creating a richer and more inclusive film festival experience.
