Czech Political Thriller ‘Moloch Files’ May Have A “Strong Central European Identity,” But Its Creators Say It Resonates Globally

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With the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic wrapping last weekend, we’re spotlighting Czech political thriller Moloch Files. Central and Eastern Europe is emerging as a region of interest for international streaming platforms and creators, largely due to the untapped potential of the market and a growing penchant for original, local and commercial content. Moloch Fileswhich launched on Canal+’s streaming service in the Czech Republic and Slovakia on May 27, 2025, marks the pan-European giant’s second original Czech series.

Name: Moloch Files

Country: Czech Republic

Producer: Canal+, Bionaut, rocket

For fans of: Jack Ryan

Distributor: Canal+

At this year’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, industry chatter amongst local and international delegates was clear: There is opportunity for major international players in Central and Eastern Europe when it comes to the original scripted content game. In keeping with its regional development plans, Canal+ took near first mover advantage in the Czech and Slovak region when it launched its streaming platform in the two countries in 2023. The group’s aim was to make one original local production per year.

Moloch Files is the company’s second effort in this space, following last year’s Daughter of a Nation. The political thriller, which is co-created by screenwriter Štefan Titka, producer Vratislav Šlajer and director Lukáš Hanulák, kicks off after an attack on the fictional President of the Czech Republic where an investigative journalist Martin Braun teams up with young, online sleuth Julia to uncover what exactly happened and why.

During the course of their investigation, they become entangled in a dangerous game of secret services, international politics and forces determined to keep the truth hidden. People die in pursuit of the truth and the only hope for Julia and Martin is to avoid the same fate and quickly uncover what happened.

The three-episode series stars prominent Czech film and theater actor Miroslav Donutil, who plays the Czech President, as well Jan Révai, who plays the role of investigative journalist Martin. Polish actress Eliza Rycembel, who is best known for starring in Jan Komasa’s Oscar-nominated film Corpus Christistars as online investigator Julia.

Creators Titka, Flogan and Hanulák Describe Moloch Files as “a complex story of intersecting personal and political trajectories against the backdrop of contemporary political crises and global tensions” and stress that it’s a topical storyline, given last year’s assassination attempts on Donald Trump and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

“The characters’ internal conflicts and the consequences of their decisions add depth to the story, helping the audience understand the complexity of today’s world where nothing is just black and white,” the trio say.

Deeply rooted in Czech context, Moloch Files draws inspiration from 1970s and 1980s political thrillers and is presented in a modern visual style, with an emphasis on European affairs.

First steps

When Canal+ decided to step into the original content game in the Czech Republic, it marked a milestone for the group as it continues to extend its tentacles across the globe. At present, it’s the only foreign platform currently investing in original scripted content in the Czech Republic.

“We believe that it is crucial to tell local stories and bring original series that resonate with our audience,” says Lada Dobrkoska, Producer, Original Programming at Canal+ in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. “Creating Canal+ originals is part of our DNA and a great opportunity to differentiate ourselves from the competition by bringing unique, exclusive and local stories. It helps to build our brand awareness and build customer loyalty.”

She adds that Canal+ will “aim to release one high-quality project each year,” positing: “This type of narrative, especially in the genre, is rarely seen in the Czech and Slovak republics.”

For creators Šlajer, Hanulák and Titka, their vision was to create a “high-quality political thriller that resonates globally yet still preserves a strong Central European identity.”

The show draws on inspiration from real-life scandals such as the Vrbětice case, which saw two explosions of ammunition depots near the eastern Czech village of Vrbětice in 2014. Two workers were killed in the warehouse explosions and Czech President Petr Pavel declared the event to be a Russian attack on Czech soil.

“By focusing on these pressing issues, we’re offering something fresh and engaging for viewers both locally and internationally, while also contributing to the evolving Czech television landscape,” says Dobrkoska.

She continues: “The biggest challenge was achieving believability. Authenticity was crucial. Our team had to fight for the careful balance between realism and compelling storytelling. To maintain credibility without resorting to exaggeration, we collaborated closely with experts – notably investigative journalist Ondřej Kundra from the well-established magazine Respekt, who worked with Belingcat, or people from the Czech government or secret services. Throughout the process, it was a constant challenge to avoid clichés and stay true to real-world dynamics.”

Filming took place from July 2022 to early October 2024 and locations included the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Ukraine “to increase the realism and urgency of the visuals.”

The series has become the most watched ever on Canal+’s streaming service since it launched in the territory a few years ago, it says. Dobrkoska believes that this has struck a chord with local audiences because it’s a “rare genre project” with “high production ambition”.

“The story is built in layers – exploring a complex web of power dynamics and political pressure while also delving into intimate, deeply human experiences and family dilemmas,” she says.

“It’s not only about uncovering external truths but also confronting the inner truths of its characters. Emotionally charged and socially resonant, the miniseries serves as a mirror to our present moment because it’s not moralizing but is disturbingly realistic.”