Sabrina Farji’s ‘Gasp’ at Ventana Sur: Medical Drama

Argentinian producer Sabrina Farji, known for her compelling medical dramas, is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming Ventana Sur market. Her latest venture, the medical drama titled ‘Gasp’ (or ‘Bocanada’), is poised to capture international attention with its unique blend of social realism and emotional intensity. Farji, a multi-hyphenate talent, will present this new series, signaling another strong entry into her acclaimed portfolio.

‘Gasp’: A Deep Dive into a New Medical Drama

‘Gasp’ is envisioned as a raw and intimate medical drama, set within the bustling, often chaotic environment of a primary care clinic located on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Sabrina Farji describes the series as a narrative about “finding connection, hope, and a breath of fresh air in the most unlikely places.” The project promises to explore the human condition under pressure, highlighting resilience, humor, and hope.

Blending Influences: American Prestige Meets Argentinian Realism

The inspiration for ‘Gasp’ draws from successful U.S. medical dramas such as ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘New Amsterdam’. However, Farji’s series aims to go beyond imitation by integrating the high production values and narrative style of American prestige television with the social realism and deep emotional resonance characteristic of Argentinian productions. This approach is evident in Farji’s previous works like ‘Fronteras’ and ‘El Paraíso’, which successfully portrayed authentic local experiences. The result is an intended authentic portrayal of the challenges and triumphs within the medical field.

Innovative Production Model and Location Scouting

To maximize both efficiency and narrative impact, ‘Gasp’ will employ a production model that concentrates much of its filming in a single interior location: the clinic itself. This strategy is designed to foster a controlled and immersive environment for the story to unfold. Beyond the main clinic setting, production will extend to Argentinian provinces such as Mendoza and Córdoba. These locations not only offer attractive cash rebates but also provide the necessary authentic backdrops for the series’ broader narrative.

Casting is also a critical component of this model. The creative team intends to combine the experience of established, acclaimed actors with the fresh perspectives of emerging talent. This blend aims to forge a robust and compelling ensemble cast that embodies both seasoned skill and new discovery.

Zoelle: A Commitment to Gender Perspective and Diversity

Sabrina Farji’s Buenos Aires-based production company, Zoelle, is distinguished by its strong emphasis on gender perspective and diversity. Zoelle boasts an acclaimed portfolio that includes titles like ‘Trópico’, ‘Ex Casados’, ‘Fronteras’, ‘El Paraíso’, and ‘Mariquita’. The company currently has several new projects in development, including ‘Bocanada’ (Gasp), ‘Pasionarias’, and a feature on Petrona C. de Gandulfo. Zoelle is dedicated to innovative storytelling, developing complex characters, and implementing inclusive production practices. This commitment is reflected in their policy of assembling 50/50 teams and actively empowering women creatives in leadership roles.

Why Medical Dramas? Sabrina Farji’s Vision

When discussing her and Zoelle’s consistent attraction to the medical drama genre, Sabrina Farji articulated that these narratives “reveal the world of those who hold our lives in their hands.” She further elaborated that these stories, by showcasing vulnerability, humor, pain, and resilience, delve into complex human and social issues.

Farji emphasizes the importance of powerful, universal stories that maintain a strong local identity. For her, medical dramas offer a unique canvas to explore both physical and emotional action, pushing dramatic boundaries. She believes it is crucial to bring impactful stories to the screen that illuminate the human condition and highlight values such as solidarity, justice, resilience, love, and a good sense of humor. Zoelle aims to produce series with strong dramatic and comedic elements, featuring robust female characters while consciously avoiding stereotypes.

Ventana Sur: A Launchpad for ‘Gasp’

Sabrina Farji, who also serves as the vice president of the Argentine Academy of Film and Cinematographic Arts, expressed genuine excitement about introducing ‘Gasp’ at Ventana Sur. She highlighted the pride and joy associated with presenting such a powerful project that intricately weaves together intense action with humor, alongside narratives of solidarity, resilience, and profound humanity.

Ventana Sur is considered an essential platform for Zoelle, as it significantly broadens opportunities for co-production and elevates ‘Bocanada’ onto both an international stage and across various distribution platforms. The event provides a crucial avenue for the series to gain global visibility and secure partnerships.

Creative Team Behind ‘Gasp’

‘Gasp’ (‘Bocanada’) is produced by Sabrina Farji, Maria Vacas, and Octavio Nadal for Zoelle. In addition to her role as producer, Farji will also serve as showrunner and director for the series. She is co-writing the series alongside Julia Scarone, who previously collaborated with Farji on ‘Fronteras’, promising a cohesive and experienced creative vision for this new medical drama.

Sabrina Farji’s ‘Gasp’ represents an exciting development in Argentinian television, promising a fresh yet authentic take on the medical drama genre. With its strong creative team, innovative production approach, and a narrative deeply rooted in human experience, the series is well-positioned to resonate with audiences globally as it makes its debut at Ventana Sur.