Netflix unveils ‘Made in Argentina’ slate: A deep dive into upcoming projects

Mafalda’s return to the screen

Buenos Aires – The iconic and witty six-year-old Mafalda, created by the renowned Argentine artist Quino, is set to make her grand return to the screen. This exciting adaptation will be helmed by Oscar-winning director Juan José Campanella, as announced during Netflix’s 2024 ‘Made in Argentina’ event. The announcement was met with enthusiasm from industry professionals and media alike.

Campanella will not only direct but also produce and showrun the project. He will be joined by Gastón Gorali, who will co-write and act as the general producer, and Sergio Fernández as the production director. The series will be a Netflix Original, produced in collaboration with Campanella and Gorali’s Mundoloco CGI, the studio behind the largest Latin American animated production to date, “Metegol.”

In a statement, Campanella shared his personal connection to Mafalda: “Mafalda and her friends not only made me laugh a lot, but from time to time, they sent me to the dictionary. And each new word I learned came with the reward of a new laugh.” He emphasized the importance of preserving the humor, timing, irony, and observations of Quino, aiming to share Mafalda’s charm with new generations.

A night of teasers and excitement

The event, hosted by actor Darío Barassi, who will lead the upcoming reality show “Love Island Argentina,” showcased teasers for several highly anticipated productions. Among them were Bruno Stagnaro’s adaptation of the graphic novel El Eternauta, starring Ricardo Darín, and two projects by Daniel Burman. The follow-up to “El marginal,” titled En el barro, promises a raw and gripping look into the lives of the female prison population, drawing comparisons to “Orange is the New Black.”

Other notable teasers included No puedo vivir sin ti, featuring Adrián Suar, and Envidiosas, led by Griselda Siciliani. The presence of the protagonists added to the excitement, giving the audience a taste of what’s to come.

Ricardo Darín, speaking about El Eternauta, highlighted the dedication and passion of the team: “It was the work of a huge team, with a lot of grit, a lot of passion. We lived very long and very hard days, as it usually happens to all of us.” He expressed high expectations for the project, hoping it would open doors for similar ambitious endeavors.

Netflix’s commitment to Argentine talent

Paco Ramos, Netflix’s VP of content for Latin America, described El Eternauta as “one of the most important projects of the audiovisual industry in Argentina and Latin America.” He praised the team’s precision, ambition, and passion, which he found inspiring.

The event took place at the Centro Cultural San Martin, a historic arts hub in Buenos Aires’ downtown theater district. This venue has been a strong supporter of regional cinema, especially in light of recent government efforts to cut state-backed funding for the country’s audiovisual sector. With organizations like INCAA facing significant challenges and events like Ventana Sur moving to Montevideo, Netflix aims to highlight the vast talent Argentina has to offer through its ‘Made in Argentina’ banner.

While Netflix may not be able to fully support the industry on its own, the event provided hope that each project in the lineup would generate interest in Argentina’s rich talent pool, filled with unique stories that resonate across markets.

Upcoming series and documentaries

Ángel Di María: Romper la pared

Director: Juan Baldana
Producer: PEGSA

This three-part documentary series delves into the life and career of Argentine soccer star Ángel Di María. From his humble beginnings to his championship victories, the series features interviews with Di María and those closest to him, including Lionel Messi, Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez, Neymar, and Lionel Scaloni. The series premieres on September 12.

Atrapados

Directors: Miguel Cohan, Hernán Goldfrid
Producer: Haddock Films

Based on Harlan Coben’s novel “Caught,” this series follows journalist Ema Garay, who gains professional acclaim by catching long-evaded criminals. She encounters prominent socialite Leo Mercer, who becomes the main suspect in her investigation into a missing teen girl. The cast includes Soledad Villamil, Juan Minujín, and Alberto Ammann. The series debuted in 2025.

División Palermo Season 2

Directors: Santiago Korovsky, Rafael López Saubidet
Producer: K&S Films

In the second season of División Palermo, director and star Santiago Korovsky returns as the protagonist, joined by the urban guard. The Palermo Division faces new challenges and becomes entangled in the city’s bizarre criminal underworld. Filming is currently underway.

El Eternauta

Director: Bruno Stagnaro
Producer: K&S Films

Based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Héctor G. Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López, El Eternauta follows Juan Salvo, played by Ricardo Darin, as he and fellow survivors navigate an alien threat in a near-apocalyptic cityscape after a freak snowstorm wipes out millions. The cast includes Carla Peterson, César Troncoso, Andrea Pietra, and Ariel Staltari. The series is set for a 2025 debut.

Envidiosa

Director: Gabriel Medina
Producer: Adrián Suar

Envidiosa follows Vicky, who envies her friends’ wedded bliss. As she approaches 40, she pushes her boyfriend toward a proposal. When things don’t go as planned, she reevaluates her life and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The series stars Griselda Siciliani, Esteban Lamothe, Pilar Gamboa, Violeta Urtizberea, and Benjamín Vicuña, and is set for release on September 18.

A promising future for Argentine cinema

With 19 titles on the horizon, Netflix aims to showcase the breadth of talent that Argentina continues to offer. The event highlighted the network’s commitment to supporting and promoting Argentine stories, ensuring that they reach a global audience.

As Paco Ramos noted, “A year and a half ago we met in this very forum and presented several projects. Today, all of them have become a reality. Some have already been launched, such as ‘Descansar en Paz’ or ‘Goyo.’ Today, we have some 20 projects underway, among series, documentaries, films, and a script presented by our host tonight. So I want to make it clear that we’re still betting on Argentina, and we’re not going to stop.”

The future looks bright for Argentine cinema and TV, with Netflix playing a pivotal role in bringing these compelling stories to the world stage.# Exploring the latest in cinema and TV series

A new chapter in the ‘El marginal’ universe

The highly anticipated spin-off of the popular series “El marginal” shifts its focus to the lives of female prisoners. The new narrative centers around Gladys Guerra and her fellow inmates as they navigate the complexities of life behind bars. This fresh take promises to delve deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of incarceration. The series is currently in production, featuring a stellar cast including Ana Garibaldi, Valentina Zenere, Rita Cortese, Lorena Vega, Marcelo Subiotto, and Carolina Ramírez.

Political intrigue in ‘Las maldiciones’

Directed by Daniel Burman and Martín Hodara, “Las maldiciones” is a gripping political drama based on Claudia Piñeiro‘s novel. The story revolves around the kidnapping of a governor’s daughter by his trusted aide amidst a crucial vote on lithium exploitation. As the plot unfolds, a 13-year-old conspiracy comes to light. The film stars Leo Sbaraglia and Gustavo Bassani and is currently in the filming stage. For more details, check out the Las maldiciones trailer.

Love beyond appearances in ‘Love Is Blind Argentina’

The Argentine adaptation of the popular reality show “Love is Blind” is set to premiere in 2024. Hosted by Wanda Nara and Darío Barassi, this version promises to bring the same emotional rollercoaster as contestants seek love that transcends physical attraction. Participants will travel, live together, and plan their weddings, all while navigating the complexities of forming deep connections. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting series.

‘Mafalda’ comes to life

Beloved animated character Mafalda is set to make her debut in a new animated series directed by Juan José Campanella. This Netflix Original will bring Quino‘s iconic character to a new generation, capturing her wit and charm in a fresh format. Fans of the original comic strip can look forward to seeing Mafalda’s adventures in a whole new light.

Upcoming films to watch out for

’27 noches’

Directed by Daniel Hendler and produced by La Unión de los Ríos, “27 noches” is an adaptation of Natalia Zito‘s book. The film tells the story of Natalia Kohen, an artist imprisoned by her daughters. With Santiago Mitre and Agustina Llambi Campbell at the helm, this production promises to be a compelling watch.

‘Campamento con Mamá’

In “Campamento con Mamá,” Patri is an overbearing mother trying to reconnect with her teenage son, who wants to move in with his father. To prove she’s cool, she takes him and his friends on a camping trip. Directed by Martino Zaidelis and starring Natalia Oreiro, Milo Lis, and Pablo Rago, this film is set to premiere in 2024. Check out the Campamento con Mamá trailer for a sneak peek.

‘Corazón delator’

Directed by Marcos Carnevale, “Corazón delator” follows Juan Manuel, a superficial businessman who receives a heart transplant from Pedro, a humble family man. After the surgery, Juan seeks to learn more about Pedro’s life and falls in love with his widow. Starring Benjamín Vicuña and Julieta Díaz, the film is set to debut in 2025. Watch the Corazón delator trailer for more insights.

‘El hombre que amaba los platos voladores’

Diego Lerman‘s latest film, “El hombre que amaba los platos voladores,” follows entertainment journalist José de Zer and his cameraman as they investigate a crop circle in Cordoba. Their journey leads to an unexpected extraterrestrial encounter. Starring Leonardo Sbaraglia, the film is set for a 2024 streaming release. Don’t miss the El hombre que amaba los platos voladores trailer.

‘Las hermanas fantásticas’

In “Las hermanas fantásticas,” estranged sisters Sofía Morandi and Leticia Siciliani inherit an apartment in Puerto Madero after their father’s death. They must navigate their emotions and work together after discovering 3 million euros hidden in a false wall. The film debuts on August 30. Watch the Las hermanas fantásticas trailer for more.

‘No puedo vivir sin ti’

Directed by Santiago Requejo, “No puedo vivir sin ti” follows Carlos, a cell-phone-obsessed man who faces an ultimatum from his wife. To win her back, he joins a therapy group for phone addiction. Starring Adrián Suar and Paz Vega, the film premieres on August 16. Check out the No puedo vivir sin ti trailer.

Coming soon to Netflix

‘La mujer de la fila’

Based on a true story, “La mujer de la fila” follows Andrea, a middle-class mother whose son is unjustly incarcerated. As she fights to overturn his conviction, she finds support from others in similar situations. Directed by Benjamín Ávila, this film promises to be a powerful narrative of resilience and justice. Watch the La mujer de la fila trailer for more.

‘Miss Carbón’

“Miss Carbón” tells the story of Carlita, a trans woman who becomes the first female miner in her town. Inspired by true events, the film highlights her determination to break norms and achieve her dreams. Directed by Agustina Macri and starring Lux Pascal, this film is a must-watch. Check out the Miss Carbón trailer.

‘Transmitzvah’

Directed by Daniel Burman, “Transmitzvah” is a love story between siblings. The narrative follows Mumy Singer as she solidifies her true identity, anchored by the unshakeable bond with her brother. Starring Penélope Guerrero and Juan Minujín, this film promises to be a heartwarming journey. Watch the Transmitzvah trailer.

‘Simón de la montaña’

Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes Critics Week, “Simón de la montaña” stars Lorenzo Ferro as Simón, a young moving assistant living in the turbulent foothills of the Andes. Directed by Federico Luis, this film explores Simón’s transformation amidst inclement weather and personal challenges. Check out the Simón de la montaña trailer for more.

Final thoughts

The world of cinema and TV series continues to evolve, offering a diverse array of stories that captivate and inspire. From political dramas and animated classics to heartfelt narratives and reality TV, there’s something for everyone. As these new projects unfold, they promise to bring fresh perspectives and unforgettable experiences to audiences worldwide.