Why Havel?

As the Iron Curtain countries eased their way out from under Soviet control, they began forming non-communist governments under the leadership of well-known dissidents. Perhaps the best known of these is the Czech writer and playwright Vaclav Havel, whose works were well known and widespread, and who spent a considerable amount of time in prison for his anti-communist activities and protests. In 1989, he became the only postwar non-communist president of Czechoslovakia, and after that country split into two in 1993, he became the president of the newly formed Czech Republic. This documentary explores the high regard Havel is held in his homeland and in the West and includes interviews with celebrities such as playwright Arthur Miller, diplomat Henry Kissinger, and former U.S. president George Bush, along with man-on-the-street interviews with the citizens who elected him. In addition, President Havel himself speaks with great humor about how being President resembles being a prisoner. Much of the footage in this documentary follows the president as he goes about his official duties.