Documentary About the Murders of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová Screens in Czech Republic.

June 1, 2022 — OCCRP and Final Cut for Real’s documentary “The Killing of a Journalist” will premiere in Europe at the 56th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, which runs from July 1–9.

Directed by OCCRP’s Matt Sarnecki, “The Killing of a Journalist” tells the story of the 2018 murders of OCCRP’s Slovak colleague Ján Kuciak and his fiancee, Martina Kušnírová. Investigative journalists used leaked police files from the murder investigation to uncover vast corruption at the highest levels of Slovak society.

“We are honored to share Ján and Martina’s legacy and this shocking story of grand corruption with the audience at one of Central Europe’s most prestigious film festivals,” said Sarnecki. “As independent media continues to be threatened in many European countries and around the world, ‘The Killing of a Journalist’ is an urgent reminder of the risks journalists face and how a free press works to protect democracy.”

The film was produced by Signe Byrge Sørensen from Final Cut for Real, a five-time Oscar®-nominated and four-time Sundance-winning production company based in Denmark.

“Our film shows people taking to the streets to protest the murders of Ján and Martina and the corruption in the Slovak government,” said Byrge Sørensen. “‘The Killing of a Journalist’ is a case study that underscores the critical need for people to use their voice — and their votes — to stand up for independent journalists and fight for good governance in countries where this is still possible.”

“It’s essential that this film be screened in Central Europe, and we are grateful to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival for this opportunity,” said OCCRP co-founders Drew Sullivan and Paul Radu, the film’s executive producers. “The people here will understand the type of corruption revealed in the film. It's important to see the complete story of how corruption and murder affect so many people.”

photo: Pavla Holcová, an investigative journalist in the film.

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