EXCLUSIVE: Foundation actress Laura Birn is leading a sports doping thriller series from Banijay Finland and journalist Johanna Aatsalo.
Disqualified is being presented at the MIA Market in Rome today as a TV drama inspired by one of real-life events surrounding Finland’s most notorious sporting scandals.
The series is based on Aatsalo’s reporting, which became a book, and will follow the fictionalized version of the sports journalist’s investigation to uncover evidence of systematic doping within Finland’s world-famous national ski team.
Expecting truth to prevail, Aatsalo finds herself in a battle against powerful institutions, public outrage and the justice system. Her personal life, reputation and career unravel as pressure mounts, but she refuses to abandon story and her commitment to protecting her source, despite the huge cost of doing so.
“Disqualified is a gripping journalistic thriller about one woman’s determination to pursue the truth, even when faced with extraordinary personal and professional consequences,” said Minna Virkajärvi, executive producer at Banijay Finland.
“Rather than focusing solely on the investigation itself, the series explores the profound fallout that followed, with themes of abuse of power, corruption and press freedom feeling highly relevant today. Combining the tension of an investigative thriller with the emotional depth of a character-driven drama, Disqualified examines what happens when an individual challenges powerful institutions and refuses to be silenced.”
Birn was among the stars of Apple TV sci-fi series Foundation alongside the likes of Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, Leah Harvey, Alexander Siddig, Troy Kotsur and Pilou Asbæk among others.
Banijay Finland is known for shows such as Murder in Hanko, Detective Maria Kallio, Queen Heist and Supporting Actor, vertical drama Survival Sisters and features including The Good Widow. The production house is part of Banijay Entertainment, the world’s biggest independent production company.
MIA Market ends tomorrow (October 23).