Latin American Cinema’s Creative Content Shining at Global Stage

Latin America shines in the spotlight with its vibrant audiovisual industry. Colombia’s Film Commissioner, Silvia Echeverri, highlighted the region’s increased production activities and expressed the potential for future partnerships across continents, particularly with Asia.

The Booming Market of Latin America for Audiovisual Content

Latin America’s audiovisual market has experienced two decades of impressive growth, garnering international attention. Silvia Echeverri, the Colombian Film Commissioner from Proimagenes en Movimiento, spoke at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest about the expanding opportunities in the audiovisual industry and its significant potential. Discussions led by the governments of Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico have revealed that the audiovisual income in the region was estimated at $20 billion in 2021. Echeverri noted that the combination of talent in the area and stories that resonate in Latin America and globally has created pathways for success.

The Growth of Streaming in Latin America

Streaming Services and the Growth of Latin American Content Streaming services are potent players in the entertainment industry. Spanish and Portuguese original series on Netflix have become dominant forces in streaming, with hit shows like “La Casa de Las Flores” and “Narcos” contributing significantly to Netflix’s success in local markets. However, Netflix is not alone; competitors like Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max (now known as Max) also produce local original content. For instance, since launching in 2020, Prime Video has steadily introduced shows such as “El Presidente” and “La Jaura,” as reported by Variety. Disney+ quickly gained a substantial subscriber base, showcasing its solid regional appeal.

Latin America boasts an excellent streaming market poised for growth and is becoming a driving force for new narratives. Even unsuccessful projects like Las Estrellas’ “La Mujer del Diablo” and Prime Video’s “Travesuras de la Niña Mala” find new life on smaller platforms like the Spanish-language services Pantaya and VIX. These platforms showcase local productions that contribute to the evolving landscape of online entertainment, allowing for diverse stories and voices that reflect regional cultures.

Colombia’s Growing Production Landscape

Colombia is emerging as a significant player in Latin cinema. Echeverri, a member of the Colombian Filmmakers at TCCF, highlighted the positive developments in Colombian films, noting a steady annual sales increase of 15% from 2009 to 2019, culminating in $2.3 billion in December 2021. This growth has been supported by film incentives like the Colombia Film Fund (FFC) and Certificates of Audiovisual Investment (CINA), which have attracted foreign producers and created local job opportunities.

Colombia has become an appealing location for significant productions due to these incentives: the FFC offers a 40% rebate on film services and 20% on logistics, while CINA provides tax rebates of up to 35%. This has led to films such as Ang Lee’s “Gemini Man,” Tom Cruise’s “American Made,” and titles like “Loving Pablo,” “The Lost City of Z,” and “Mile 22” being shot there. Recent series, including “The Morning Show” and “What You Wish For,” have also filmed scenes in Colombia. Since its establishment, CINA has approved 130 projects, and the FFC has supported 54 projects from 2013 to 2024.

Colombia is known for its diverse landscapes—cameras can capture snow-capped mountains, lush jungles, and vibrant cities. Its location at the Equator ensures warm weather year-round, which is ideal for filmmaking. Colombian crews are recognized for their professionalism and expertise, making Colombia a favored destination for filmmakers globally.

Opportunities for Asian-Latin American Collaboration

Echeverri’s talk at TCCF emphasized the potential for cooperation between Asia and Latin America. As Latin America becomes more receptive to Asian content, co-productions are gaining traction. Consumption of Asian TV shows in Latin America has surged by 35% over the past two years, with at least 60% of young adults reporting they have watched at least one K-drama or anime in the last year. This trend paves the way for new collaborations between Asian studios and Latin American artists.

According to the Inter-American Development Bank, the best video-on-demand (VOD) platforms are eager to work with local production companies in Latin America, which could boost audiovisual exports. “We’ve never needed these varied stories more, and Latin America has a wealth of imagination to offer,” Echeverri told Variety. She added that these partnerships could lead to innovative solutions through collaboration with Asian corporations.

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Such contracts have the potential to transform the present by providing selective access to both markets. This adaptation is timely, as Latin American audiences are becoming increasingly receptive to global narratives. Furthermore, these collaborations foster cross-development across various disciplines, including knowledge translation, skills sharing, and capital investment. Such partnerships can introduce Latin American dramas to Asian audiences, who can engage with their vibrant stories.