DC premeire of the new, American version! A one-of-a-kind portrait of Václav Havel, the first president of the Czech Republic--former dissident, leader in the Velvet Revolution, playwright, poet, essayist and rock'n'roll fan--culled from a decade's worth of documentation by his close friend, filmmaker Pavel Koutecký. Given unparalleled access to Havel at work, the film takes viewers from internal staff debates to intense international summit meetings to enjoyable encounters with visiting dignitaries and celebrities, including Bill Clinton and a night out at Prague's top jazz club, plus a visit to the Presidential Palace by The Rolling Stones that turns into a comedic set piece. Koutecký's accidental death caused the project to be completed by friend and fellow filmmaker Miroslav Janek, and the final documentary is a tribute to both a great man and a dedicated documentarian.

DIR Miroslav Janek, Pavel Koutecký; PROD Jarmila Poláková. Czech Republic, 2008, color, 119 min. In Czech with English subtitles. NOT RATED

Sunday, November 22, 3:30; Monday, November 23, 7:00

AFI Member passes will be accepted.

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