Day by day

Odchazeni (Leaving)

Czech Republic // 2011 // Couleur // 94'
Czech with French/English subtitles

Swiss première

The venerable Vilem Rieger is going through a difficult period: having led his country for many years, he is relieved of his responsibilities. But how to convert from statesman to simple citizen when one is surrounded by a jealous wife, an unworthy daughter, a mother who interferes in everything, prying journalists, a disreputable successor and a world that has changed without any warning?
This unbridled comedy reminds us of how vulnerable our social constructions really are, and flirts happily with theatre, the president playwright’s first love. The film is actually based on one of his plays. It offers self-ridicule, a penchant for the absurd and the humor that has always characterized Vaclav Havel. Although not an autobiography, Leaving makes explicit reference to his life and political convictions. A unique little jewel, since this is the first and only film ever made by Havel.

Vaclav Havel