The 45th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival opened in Karlovy Vary, this Czech spa resort on Friday, with 12 films vying for the festival's top prize of Crystal Globe.

Among the celebrities attending the opening ceremony were Czech President Vaclav Klaus, his wife Livia and some other politicians.

The opening film of the festival was Crazy Heart directed by U.S. director Scott Cooper.

Chinese director Zhang Chi is competing in the film festival for the second time after his debut in 2008, with his latest work "Diago," a feature about a Portuguese Macanese's search for his roots.

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which started in 1946, is the most important of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe. This year's edition runs through July 10.

On July 5, British film and theater actor Jude Law will receive the festival president's award, and on July 10, Russian director, producer and actor Nikita Mikhalkov will be honored the Crystal Globe for outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema at the closing ceremony.

During the festival, a total of 205 full-length and short films will be screened.