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The article provides information about the 41st Karlovy Vary International Film Festival on June 30 to July 8, 2006 in Czech Republic. During the festival, the Ecumenical Jury awarded its prize to the film "El destino" or "Destiny," directed by Miguel Pereira. The film is an adaptation of the novel "The Man Who Came to a Village," by Hector Tizon. The Ecumenical Jury has also awarded a commendation to the film "Goodbye Life" by Ensieh Shah-Hosseini for its pacifist message in emphasizing community spirit.

In this article the author reports from a grade-A South American film festival that puts audiences first. When Argentine film-maker Miguel Pereira took over the Mar del Plata International Film Festival he described the event as "a Rolls-Royce--but with no engine or seats." Now in his third year as artistic director, he demonstrated in the festival's 20th outing in March how he has used increased funding from the INCAA, Argentina's national film institute, to improve the organization and programming of the only South American festival given A grade status by international producers' body, FIAPF.