Václav Havel to receive this year’s Franz Kafka Prize

Playwright and former Czech president Václav Havel will receive this year’s Franz Kafka Prize, organizers said on Tuesday. The literary award is co-sponsored by the Franz Kafka Society and the Prague Town Hall and includes a financial reward of USD 10,000. Previous recipients include Ivan Klíma, Harold Pinter and Philip Roth. Václav Havel, who retired as president in 2003, is currently preparing his debut as film director; in July, he will direct a movie based on his latest play, Leaving.

Author: Jan Richter