Burning Bush

Czechoslovakia, 1969: in the middle of Prague, Jan Palach sets fire to himself. It is Palach’s alarming protest against the Soviet occupation of his country. In his farewell letter, the student who would soon be famous promises that other young people will follow his action if the occupation does not end quickly. While unrest soon stirs within the student community, the government tries to suggest Palach’s deed was an accident. Palach’s mourning mother refuses to accept that and involves the committed lawyer Dagmar Burešová to clear her son’s name.
This three-part series for HBO focuses on that important moment in the history of the country and on events surrounding the Prague Spring. Together with cameraman Martin Štrba, Holland presents a visually attractive and cinematographic series with universal themes such as the fight for freedom, self -sacrifice and justice. The production design of this story based on true events is perfect right down to the last detail.