Obcan Havel (2008)

A time-lapse documentary offering a behind-the-scenes look at the president’s office, from preparations for the election of the first Czech president in early 1993 to the handover of the office in 2003. It also traces political developments and the early years of the Czech Republic against the backdrop of an increasingly polarized Czech political scene. The film captures the shaping of opinions and the search for compromises before they are presented to the public, the organization of the presidential office, and the constant handling of new problems. It also shows Havel’s nervousness during the first election of a Czech president, his struggles while rehearsing the presidential acceptance speech, and moments from his private life—his final farewell to his wife Olga, his recovery from illness, and his wedding to Dagmar Veškrnová. In addition to both of Havel’s wives, the film features world and Czech politicians, Havel’s friends and colleagues, and, for example, members of The Rolling Stones.