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    • NTC Award Ceremony
      New Talent Competition gives young filmmakers from Central, Eastern and Southern Europe the opportunity to present their outstanding debut or second film to the public. Join us on Sunday 1 December at 19h
    • Music at ENFF
      The Eastern Neighbours Film Festival welcomes special musical guests each year to enrich our program. For this 16th edition, we’re thrilled to present two talented young musicians: guitarist Antonio Peršak (CR) and violinist İdil Yunkuş (TR). Together, they will perform a traditional Balkan dance and folk song, highlighting the beauty of this music through the… Read more: Music at ENFF
    • Masterclass with Janez Burger
      This masterclass presents a unique opportunity to explore Burger's distinct storytelling style, genre use, and exploration of contemporary social issues. Join us on Saturday 30 November at 17h - Room 5
    • Panel Discussion: Exploration of individual and collective memory in cinema
      Panel Discussion: Exploration of individual and collective memory in cinema on Friday 29 November at 18h

ENFF On Tour in 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. 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.

This screening is organized in partnership with Czech Centre.

Screening: 13th October | 19:30 hours | De Balie | Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10, 1017 RR Amsterdam

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.

Country: Czech Republic Year: 2020 Length: 104 min Director: Slavek Horak Cinematography: Jan Stastny Editing: Vladimir Barak Cast: Viktor Dvorak, Anna Geislerova, Martin Hofmann, Barbora Seidlova Production: Slavek Horak – TVORBA Films; Ceska televize Subtitles: English Dutch Premiere

Festivals & Awards (selection)

Rome Independent Film Festival, 2020 – Best Film | Sao Paulo International Film Festival, 2020 | Heartland International Film Festival, 2020 | Zagreb Film Festival, 2020 | Czech Lion Awards, 2021 – Best Make-up | Cleveland International Film Festival, 2021