Banijay Finland unveils Disqualified thriller

Media and entertainment group, Banijay Entertainment, has announced Disqualified, a new thriller in development from Banijay Finland, based on the acclaimed book by sports journalist Johanna Aatsalo. Award-winning actor Laura Birn (Foundation, Purge) is attached to star in the project, which will be unveiled at MIA market in Rome.

Inspired by true events, Disqualified is set against the backdrop of one of Finland’s most notorious sporting scandals. The series follows sports journalist Johanna Aatsalo as she uncovers evidence of systematic doping within the country’s world-famous national ski team. Expecting the truth to prevail, she instead finds herself plunged into a battle against powerful institutions, public outrage and a justice system that turns against her. As the fallout intensifies, her reputation, career and personal life unravel. Yet, despite the mounting pressure from all sides, she refuses to abandon the story, standing firm in her commitment to protect her source, at a huge personal and professional cost.

Minna Virkajärvi, Executive Producer at Banijay Finland, commented: “Disqualified is a gripping journalistic thriller about one woman’s determination to pursue the truth, even when faced with extraordinary personal and professional consequences. 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.”

Banijay Finland’s premium scripted slate spans series, feature films and vertical storytelling, including popular crime titles like Murder in Hanko and Detective Maria Kallio; comedies such as Queen Heist and Supporting Actor, vertical drama like Survival Sisters; YA dance drama Dance Brothers, and feature films like The Good Widow. The company’s mission is to tell entertaining and meaningful stories in a responsible and diverse way, for local and international audiences.

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