PRODUCTION / FUNDING Czech Republic / Slovakia / Ukraine
Lukáš Hanulák directing Canal+ political thriller miniseries Moloch Files
- As the only foreign platform currently investing in original scripted content in the Czech Republic, Canal+ is clearly keeping up its regional momentum
Following Daughter of the Nation [+see also:
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series profile], French platform Canal+ is continuing its slate of original productions in the Czech Republic with a new three-part miniseries called Moloch Files. Framed as a political thriller, the series explores cross-border conspiracies that link Europe’s Cold War past to its volatile present.
“For our second project, we have opted for a political thriller, an engaging genre that resonates with global audiences,” noted Lada Dobrkovská, consultant to Canal+ Czech Republic. “With its compelling premise and high production values, Moloch Files reflects our focus on quality storytelling and innovative content. Canal+ remains the only foreign platform actively investing in original productions within the Czech Republic.”
The narrative is set in motion by an assassination attempt on the Czech president (Miroslav Donutil), triggering an unlikely collaboration between Martin Braun (Jan Révai), a disillusioned Czech investigative journalist, and Julie (Corpus Christi [+see also:
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film profile]’s Eliza Rycembel), a sharp-minded Polish digital sleuth. As their alliance deepens, the pair uncover a network of political intrigue, personal betrayal and historical secrets centred on the elusive Moloch files, a rumoured archive linked to the former Czechoslovak secret police. The script was penned by Štefan Titka, who wrote HBO Europe’s Mamon, with Lukáš Hanulák directing all three episodes while also serving as the Slovak co-producer. Principal photography took place in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Ukraine.
“Filming in Ukraine brought a unique authenticity to the project,” said Ukrainian co-producer Kateryna Vyshnevska. “We worked with highly experienced local crews, many of whom have previously been involved in international projects, such as Chernobyl and Mr. Jones [+see also:
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film profile].”
Czech producer Vratislav Šlajer, of Bionaut, added: “Despite stringent safety protocols, the shoot in Ukraine progressed smoothly. During air-raid alerts, sometimes several times per day or per night, production paused while the crew sought shelter, resuming once the danger had passed.”
The ensemble cast includes Klára Issová (The Prague Orgy [+see also:
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interview: Robert Hloz
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interview: Cristina Grosan
film profile]), Ivana Andrlová, Barbara Lukešová (Mr. and Mrs. Stodola [+see also:
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interview: Petr Hátle
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interview: Tomáš Pavlíček, Jan Vejnar
film profile]) and David Matásek (Krásno [+see also:
trailer
film profile]). Moloch Files is currently in post-production. The miniseries is scheduled to premiere on Canal+ Czech Republic and Slovakia on 27 May, and will also be available in Benelux and Romania. Subsequent international distribution will include France and other francophone territories, as well as Poland and Ukraine.
The production is a Canal+ Original project co-produced by Bionaut (Czech Republic) and Raketa (Slovakia), in collaboration with Kateryna Vyshnevska, of FILM.UA (Ukraine). The series has received support from Eurimages, the Czech Audiovisual Fund and the Slovak Audiovisual Fund.
You can watch the teaser for Moloch Files below:
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