This paper examines the philosophical dimensions of political self-sacrifice through the lens of Agnieszka Holland's film "Burning Bush" (2013), which portrays the aftermath of Jan Palach's self-immolation in 1969 Prague. Rather than focusing on the act itself, we analyze how Holland's innovative cinematographic approach captures the "Wirkung" (effect) of sacrifice through its resonance in the lives of others. The film's deliberate choice to keep Palach physically absent while emphasizing his spiritual presence serves as a unique entry point for philosophical reflection on the nature of authentic sacrifice in political contexts. Central to our analysis is the paradox of silence in both its oppressive and resistant forms. We examine how Palach's act responded to the collective silence following the Prague Spring, while Holland's cinematographic philosophy employs absence and silence as powerful narrative tools. Through close analysis of the film's raw and severe style, we demonstrate how artistic representation can illuminate philosophical questions about authentic sacrifice, political resistance, and the transformative power of individual acts. This approach allows us to move beyond traditional philosophical frameworks that focus primarily on motivations and immediate consequences, offering instead a more nuanced understanding of sacrifice that encompasses its enduring societal impact and meaning.