13TH OCTOBER De Balie, AMSTERDAM
Havel

Havel is a story about one of Europe’s most distinctive personalities as seen through the lenses of award-winning director Slavek Horak (2020). The film brings us a captivating portrait of a Czech hero, dissident of the communist regime, a writer and former Czech president, Vaclav Havel, his evolution as well his role in the revolution.
For the introduction and after the screening, we welcome our special guest, prof. Petr Kopecky, from Leiden University. Read this wonderful review from Variety to warm up.

HAVEL BY SLAVEK HORAK

The film brings us a captivating portrait of a Czech hero, dissident of the communist regime, a writer and former Czech president, Vaclav Havel, his evolution as well his role in the revolution.

Synopsis

Based on the dramatic life of Vaclav Havel, this biopic follows the national icon between the 1960s and the late 1980s. The narrative revolves around his transformation from careless bohemian artist into human rights activist, dissident and prisoner of the communist regime, climaxing with Havel becoming the leader of Czech Velvet Revolution and president of Czechoslovakia. Featuring strong performances from its entire cast, the film focuses on Havel’s political drive and personal life. His unorthodox relationship with his wife Olga, who serves as his moral mirror and conscience, propels Havel’s growth from young dandy into mature, responsible man as he is put under growing pressure by the totalitarian regime. Despite paying a heavy price for his involvements, he rises from the ashes becoming the first president of the new Czech Republic.

FILM DETAILS

Country: Czech Republic
Year: 2020
Length: 104 min
Director: Slavek Horak
Editing:  Vladimir Barak
Cinematography: Jan Stastny
Cast: Viktor Dvorak, Anna Geislerova, Martin Hofmann, Barbora Seidlova