Broken Health is an original feature documentary produced by Icon International, offering unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the political and public health leadership responsible for navigating the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Catalonia. Filmed during one of the most uncertain periods in recent history, the documentary captures the human, political and scientific realities behind decisions that affected millions of people.
Directed by Nick Bolger and Eva Niñerola, the film follows Catalan Health Minister Alba Vergés and her team as they confront an escalating public health emergency with little precedent and no established roadmap. Beginning with the dramatic lockdown of Igualada in March 2020—while Vergés’ own family remained trapped inside the sealed city—the documentary provides rare real-time access to government meetings, crisis management and the immense pressures of leading through an unfolding pandemic.
Alongside senior government officials, Broken Health gives voice to those on the front line of the crisis, including doctors, hospital cleaning staff, nursing home managers and funeral workers. By combining institutional decision-making with deeply personal testimony, the film presents a balanced and intimate portrait of leadership, uncertainty and resilience during one of Europe’s defining contemporary events.
Produced entirely by Icon International, the documentary reflects the company’s commitment to developing original feature documentaries that combine exceptional access with thoughtful, character-driven storytelling. From securing exclusive access and developing the editorial approach through to production, directing and post-production, the project demonstrates Icon’s ability to originate and deliver ambitious documentaries with significant public interest.
Premiering on Netflix across Europe in July 2022, Broken Health introduced international audiences to the extraordinary challenges faced by healthcare professionals and political leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic. The documentary subsequently premiered on TV3’s acclaimed Sense Ficció strand, bringing the story to a wider television audience in Catalonia. Together, these releases established Broken Health as a compelling record of one of the defining public health crises in modern European history, offering a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on leadership, crisis management and decision-making under extraordinary pressure.