An explosive political drama retracing the 2018 murders of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, 'Our People' has emerged victorious by claiming the best project award at this year's Series Mania Forum. The miniseries, which delves into the chilling events surrounding the murders, secured a significant prize of €50,000 ($54,318) and garnered increased international recognition.
Despite facing resistance from funding authorities in Slovakia, the creators of 'Our People' are now poised for a smoother journey ahead following their success at Series Mania. Director Tereza Nvotova expressed astonishment at the win, highlighting the challenges they encountered due to the Slovakian government's reluctance to have the story told. Nvotova emphasized the importance of sharing the truth, especially in the current global climate where democracy, freedom of speech, and truth are under threat.
Based on extensive research involving over 50,000 pages of case files and personal interviews with individuals connected to the victims, the eight-episode series promises to blend tragedy with dark humor reminiscent of filmmakers like Adam McKay and the Coen Brothers. The production will be helmed by Nutprodukcia's Jakub Viktorín and Tomáš Hrubý, with Miro Šifra handling the writing duties.
Writer Miro Šifra underscored the vulnerability of journalists worldwide, citing examples such as Ján Kuciak, Jamal Khashoggi, and Jeff German as victims of a pervasive global issue. The series aims to shed light on this concerning trend and raise awareness about the risks faced by journalists in pursuit of truth.
The jury for this year's co-pro pitch session, led by industry professionals from Sony Pictures Television, Federation Studios, Fifth Season, NKR, and Starz, recognized the societal relevance and impact of 'Our People' among a backdrop of politically charged projects at Series Mania. The event also witnessed demonstrations by Palestinian solidarity activists, underscoring the urgency of addressing social and political unrest through powerful storytelling.
Series Mania has a history of championing socially conscious productions, with past co-pro prize winners including projects like the war thriller 'Unspoken,' the apartheid-themed police drama 'Paradys,' and the gay activism narrative 'Red Rainbow.' These selections reflect the festival's commitment to showcasing narratives that provoke thought and spark conversations on pressing global issues.
