Czech Children

The Czech Children movement was one of the most notable anti-communist initiatives of the late 1980s. Its manifesto was published in May 1988, and its signatories were predominantly young people. The movement expressed independent thought and contributed substantially to demonstrations in 1988 and 1989, particularly during the so-called Palach Week in January 1989 (named after the student Jan Palach who died in January 1969 by setting himself alight in protest at the communist regime). In the documentary, the filmmakers focus primarily on young people. They want to remind youngsters that the need to stand up against injustice does not depend on one’s age. The film combines period footage and materials with a staged reconstruction of the events of that time. Its visually attractive concept is underscored by dynamic editing and original music.