Slovakian political drama Our People takes Series Mania Forum copro pitch prize

(L-R) Miro Sifra, Jakub Viktorín and Tomáš Hrubý accept the pitch prize
SERIES MANIA: Slovakian political drama Naši ľudia (Our People), about the real-life murders of an investigative journalist and his fianceé, has been named best project at the Series Mania Forum’s Co-Pro Pitching Sessions.
The 6×52’ series is produced by Jakub Viktorín and Tomáš Hrubý for Nutprodukcia. It is written by Tereza Nvotová and Miro Sifra and directed by Tereza Nvotová.
Set in February 2018, the drama focuses on young couple Jan and Martina, who are at home making wedding plans over dinner when they are interrupted by a knock at the door. Ján answers and is immediately shot through the chest.
Several days later, their bodies are discovered. As an investigative journalist, Ján was exposing corruption at the highest levels of national politics – but were the killings the work of the mafia, not wanting to compromise its ties to the prime minister? Or a local businessman playing politics of his own? And how will the entire country respond?
The show was inspired by the real story of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová, with the series based on interviews with the victims’ families and 50,000 pages of police case files.
Our People was one of 15 projects presented to delegates here in Lille yesterday and now receives a €50,000 (US$54,000) prize.
Jury president Nina Lederman, Sony Pictures Television’s executive VP of global scripted development and programming, said: “Our People is a smart, thoughtful, compelling story that enlightens and entertains while giving power to truth. We encourage the writing and producing team to pursue their goal.”
Series Mania general director Laurence Herszberg added: “We are extremely pleased that our distinguished jury chose to give the award to this explosive political drama out of Slovakia that delves into the murder of an investigative journalist and brings to the forefront the questions surrounding free speech, an issue very important today. This story also emphasises the fact that important local stories, when told strongly, will resonate worldwide.”
The jury also included Marco Chimenz, group co-general manager, Federation Studios; Jennifer Ebell, exec VP, EMEA sales and acquisitions, Fifth Season; Marianne Furevold-Boland, head of drama, NRK; and Karin Marelle, VP programme acquisitions and coproductions, Starz.