How do you turn a local story into an international hit? What does it take to create a successful series from the CEE region and bring it to global audiences? Join us to uncover the answers to these compelling questions!
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Series Unlocked: Behind the Award-Winning Soviet Jeans with Showrunner Stanislavs Tokalovs

Join us for Series Unlocked, a unique open lecture and industry networking event, where acclaimed Latvian showrunner Stanislavs Tokalovs will share the inside story of his award-winning comedy-drama mini-series Soviet Jeans—a show that conquered international festivals, including Series Mania, Tallinn Black Nights, and more.
From the first spark of an idea to festival success, Tokalovs will take us through the full creative and production journey—covering everything from screenwriting and showrunning to securing financing and breaking into global markets. Whether you're a filmmaker, producer, writer, or industry professional, this session offers exclusive insights into what makes a series stand out in today's competitive landscape.
And after the talk? Stick around for an Industry Mixer at Vnitroblock, where you’ll have the chance to connect with fellow creatives over drinks and great conversation!
Meet the Showrunner: Stanislavs Tokalovs
Hailing from Riga, Latvia, Stanislavs Tokalovs is a seasoned director, writer, and showrunner with experience in feature films, TV series, and documentaries. His recent projects include:
- Soviet Jeans (2023) – an 8-episode comedy-drama mini-series that won the Audience Award and Best Actor Award at Series Mania and was featured at multiple international festivals.
- Everything Will Be Alright (2023) – a documentary that premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.
These two projects alone earned 17 nominations at the Latvian National Film Awards, reinforcing Tokalovs’ reputation as a filmmaker who can bridge local storytelling with global appeal.
About Soviet Jeans – A Story of Underground Trade, Ambition, and Rebellion
Set in 1979 USSR, Soviet Jeans is a hilarious yet sharp comedy-drama that dives into the hidden world of underground business in the Soviet era.
The series follows Andris, a 19-year-old with big dreams who, after failing to get into university, stumbles into the black-market trade of Western-style jeans—an illegal but wildly profitable industry. But as he hustles to sell forbidden denim, he quickly finds himself caught between KGB surveillance, rival traders, and the struggles of a double life.
Blending humor, drama, and historical reality, Soviet Jeans delivers a fresh and entertaining perspective on personal ambition, rebellion, and survival in a restrictive society.
SERIES UNLOCKED: CASE STUDY & INDUSTRY MIXER
📅 Tuesday, March 18, 17:00 - 19:00
📍 Vnitroblock, Tusarova 31, Prague 7
RSVP to joins us: https://forms.gle/2MmcKDypLtQVynLG6
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