For the final three months of Václav Havel's presidency, a neon heart shone above Prague Castle, a tribute to his remarkable work. Director Němec gained rare access to film the 2002 NATO summit, Havel's last major event. Intending to create a "poetic film," Němec spent years grappling with the implications of witnessing George W. Bush forge an alliance for the invasion of Iraq. The film becomes a democratic examination of everyone involved in the summit, giving equal attention to those behind the scenes – from kitchen staff and musicians to security and protesters – as to the leaders and dignitaries. Havel himself is a central subject, narrated by the director in his own words, reflecting on the events from the perspective of years after leaving office.

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By Pulse Meter