Copyright Variety
Sabrina Farji, the multi-hyphenate behind successful Argentinian medical dramas “Fronteras” and “El Paraíso,” is currently developing a new entry to the subgenre with “Gasp” (“Bocanada”). The series will make its first market bow at the prestigious Ventana Sur (Dec. 1-5) in Buenos Aires. “Gasp” is described as a “raw and intimate” medical drama set in a chaotic primary care clinic on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, with Farji adding that the series is about “finding connection, hope, and a breath of fresh air in the most unlikely places.” The project is inspired by successful U.S. offerings like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “New Amsterdam.” It will blend the American language of the prestige teledrama with the social realism and emotional intensity of Argentinian counterparts in Farji’s own “Fronteras” and “El Paraíso” to deliver an authentic portrayal of resilience, humor, and hope under pressure. The series’ production model is designed to maximize efficiency and impact. Shooting will be condensed almost entirely to a single interior location, the clinic, to create a highly controlled, immersive environment. Outside of the clinic, “Gasp” will shoot in provinces like Mendoza and Córdoba, which offer both attractive cash rebates but also the authenticity required for the project. Casting is a key element of the model, with the creative team saying they “aim to blend established, acclaimed actors with emerging talent, creating a strong and compelling ensemble that reflects both experience and discovery.” Farji’s Buenos Aires-based production label, Zoelle, has a strong focus on gender perspective and diversity. Its acclaimed portfolio includes “Trópico,” “Ex Casados,” “Fronteras,” “El Paraíso” and “Mariquita”, with new projects like “Bocanada,” “Pasionarias” and a feature on Petrona C. de Gandulfo in development. Zoelle is committed to innovative storytelling, complex characters, and inclusive production practices, assembling 50/50 teams and empowering women creatives in leadership roles. When asked what draws her and the Zoelle creative team to medical dramas, Farji said “they reveal the world of those who hold our lives in their hands.” “By showing vulnerability, humor, pain, and resilience, these stories explore complex human and social issues,” she added. “We are drawn to powerful, universal stories that retain a strong local identity. Medical dramas allow us to explore both physical and emotional action, pushing the drama to its limits. We believe it is important to bring to the screen impactful stories that reveal the human condition and highlight values such as solidarity, justice, resilience, love, and, of course, a good sense of humor. We produce series with strong drama and comedy as well, with strong female characters, avoiding stereotypes.” The showrunner, who is also the vice president of the Argentine Academy of Film and Cinematographic Arts, said the team is “truly excited” about starting their journey with the series at Ventana Sur. “It fills us with pride and joy to have such a powerful project that combines intense action with humor, and stories of solidarity and resilience, full of humanity. Ventana Sur is essential for us, as it expands the project’s opportunities for co-production and positions ‘Bocanada’ on an international stage and across platforms.” “Gasp” (“Bocanada”) is produced by Sabrina Farji, Maria Vacas and Octavio Nadal for Zoelle. Farji will also showrun and direct, as well as write the series alongside Julia Scarone (“Fronteras”).
