Directed by Fèlix Colomer, commissioned by HBO Europe and described as a series that captures “mankind’s remarkable capacity for love and kindness,” the Covid-themed doc series Vitals: a true human story (see trailer) will premiere February 7 across all HBO Europe territories.
The film follows patients and healthcare workers at the Parc Taulí Hospital in Sabadell for several weeks between March and June 2020, during the most difficult moments of the first wave. The documentary goes beyond seeing patients as numbers and invites viewers to meet those affected by the pandemic, say the series makers.
In addition to showing the situations in the hospital thanks to unique and extensive access, Vitals goes further, leaving the confines of the hospital and accompanies the health workers to their homes. There they experience the excitement of reuniting with their families and their frustration at seeing that the outside world is still too indifferent. The film witnesses how patients’ families deal with the most emotional conversations, video calls, and painful goodbyes.
“Since the COVID-19 crisis began, politicians and the media have overwhelmed us with data,” says director Colomer. “Every day 500 deaths, 2000 infections, 300 admissions to the ICU, 200 health workers are needed in the hospital…numbers. Vitals: a true human story puts aside the numbers and talks about people.”
Hanka Kastelicová, VP Documentaries, HBO Europe and Executive Producer on the project comments: “Fèlix Colomer has succeeded in touching on human fragility, but also exposing the immense power of love, family, and the professional and personal devotion of all health workers when confronted with a new unknown enemy. Vitals: a true human story offers a deep insight into the very private moments of its protagonists, and will remain an exceptional record of these unforgettable times.”
Vitals: a true human story is produced by Spanish outfits El Terrat (The Mediapro Studio) and Forest Film Studios for HBO Europe.
