A new collaboration brings Isabel Allende’s novel to the screen
A powerful partnership in the world of Spanish-language drama
In an exciting development for fans of premium scripted drama, Chile’s Fabula and Spain’s Alea Media have announced their collaboration on the adaptation of Isabel Allende’s 2019 novel, A Long Petal of the Sea. This partnership brings together two of the most influential production companies in the Spanish-speaking world, promising a series that will captivate audiences globally.
The creative minds behind the project
Alea Media’s founder, Aitor Galindo, will take on the role of showrunner for the series, which is slated to begin production by the end of 2025. Galindo’s expertise is well-established, with his previous work including the critically acclaimed HBO series Patria and the popular Wrong Side of the Tracks, which recently topped Netflix’s global non-English TV series charts.
Fabula, founded by Pablo and Juan de Dios Larraín, boasts an impressive portfolio that includes the Academy Award-winning A Fantastic Woman and notable films like Jackie, Spencer, and Maria. Their collaboration with Alea Media on A Long Petal of the Sea is set to be a significant addition to their already stellar lineup.
A story of displacement and resilience
https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/a-long-petal-of-the-sea is based on Allende’s novel, which begins during the Spanish Civil War. The story follows young doctor Victor Dalmau and pianist Roser Bruguera as they flee Barcelona and sail to Chile on the Winnipeg, a ship chartered by the poet Pablo Neruda. The journey symbolizes their search for peace and freedom, themes that resonate deeply in today’s world.
The novel explores the bonds formed through shared experiences, transcending national borders. This timeless narrative is particularly relevant in the current global context, where the plight of refugees and displaced individuals remains a pressing issue.
Bringing the novel to life
The adaptation of A Long Petal of the Sea is being developed by Galindo and head writer José Luis Martín, known for his work on popular series like Money Heist and Cable Girls. Martín’s recent projects include Netflix hits Intimacy and Burning Body, as well as The Patients of Dr. García, a standout series from Spanish public broadcaster RTVE.
Fabula’s team includes Carla Stagno, a versatile writer whose works range from the action-adventure Sayen to the critically acclaimed Allende’s 1,000 Days and the telenovela Blood Pact. Stagno’s involvement ensures that the series will be rich in narrative depth and cultural authenticity.
A global production with local roots
Fabula’s executive producer Álvaro Cabello emphasized the company’s commitment to stories that reflect Latin American identity while appealing to a global audience. “As a production company, we are in constant search of stories that portray the Latin American identity and, at the same time, organically unite regions while having the ability to move audiences worldwide. A Long Petal of the Sea is one such story,” Cabello explained.
The series will be filmed primarily in Chile, with 70% of the production taking place there and the remainder in Spain. Fabula’s CEO-producer Juan de Dios Larraín expressed excitement about the project, noting, “We are thrilled that Isabel Allende, the most widely read living Spanish-speaking author, has entrusted us with bringing this incredible story to the screen. We are working to secure the necessary financing in order to begin production before the end of next year.”
The legacy of Pablo Neruda
The title A Long Petal of the Sea is a phrase from Neruda, who had a profound influence on Allende. During an interview, Neruda advised Allende to pursue a career in novel writing instead of journalism, advice that she followed to great success. This connection adds a layer of historical and emotional depth to the series, enriching its narrative.
Fabula’s track record in premium drama
Fabula has a strong history of producing pioneering Latin American dramas, such as Lucía Puenzo’s La Jauría and Pablo Fendrik’s The Shelter, both created in collaboration with Fremantle. This new project continues their tradition of high-quality storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Aitor Galindo’s impressive career
A writer-turned-producer and showrunner, Galindo has co-created several popular Spanish TV series, including El Principe and Allí Abajo. His involvement in A Long Petal of the Sea ensures that the series will benefit from his extensive experience and creative vision.
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