The Cinematheque

Czech Republic

“This vibrant dramedy doesn’t shy from depicting the great man’s weaknesses but it also shows him as generous and modest, an entertaining, talented writer who ultimately steps out of his comfort zone to become politically engaged.”

Alissa Simon, Variety

This prismatic, utterly absorbing biographical drama is inspired by the life and turbulent times of Václav Havel, prominent Czech playwright, dissident, and, eventually, president of the newly formed Czech Republic. The film focuses on Havel’s transformation from a successful—and later banned—playwright of the late ​’60s into a fighter for human rights in the ​’70s, leading to his presidency in the late ​’80s after the Velvet Revolution. Torn between his passions and self-imposed duties, Havel is one of the most compelling, complex figures of the late 20th century. His role in ending the Cold War is critical, but Havel the man was much, much more, as this inventive biopic stylishly demonstrates. “[Horák] matches each of the film’s periods to a different style: the 1960s to the Czech New Wave, the 1970s to normalization films, and the 1980s to documentary-like grainy footage. The stylization enables a fine adjustment of dramatic effects” (Martin Kudláč, Cineuropa).

Video introduction by director Slávek Horák.

To stream this film:
Click on the ​“Streaming” cloud icon above.
This will take you to the virtual platform where you can watch the film.
Purchase a ticket for $12 (plus tax) or purchase a multi-film pass (details below).
Each film will be ​“live” online for 48 hours. Once you start watching, you have 24 hours to finish the film.
If you are having technical issues with the stream, please click here.
You can also contact EUFF directly by emailing info@​euffonline.​ca.

This film is avail­able to stream in Cana­da only.

Five Virtual Film Bundle: $50 (plus tax)
Online Festival Pass: $100 (plus tax)

Please note: Tickets to in-person screenings do not include access to online EUFF offerings, nor vice versa.