BUENOS AIRES – Mafalda, the beloved and wily six-year-old drawn into acclaim by celebrated Argentine artist Quino, will bring her socially-conscious hijinks to the screen. News of the adaptation, which will be ushered in by Oscar-winner Juan José Campanella, was announced Monday evening as Netflix unveiled their 2024 ‘Made in Argentina’ slate to a spirited crowd of industry and media professionals.
Campanella will direct, produce and showrun the project, while Gastón Gorali co-pens and acts as general producer of the Netflix Original series and Sergio Fernández boards as production director. Netflix and Campanella and Gorali’s Mundoloco CGI, the studio behind “Metegol,” the largest Latin American animated production to date, produce.
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“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,” Campanella revealed in a July statement.
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Adding: “It’s our obligation to preserve the humor, timing, irony and observations of Quino. We know that we won’t be able to elevate Mafalda because she cannot be higher. But we dream that those of us who have been devoted to her since the first hour can share her with our children, and even if there are things reserved only for adults, we can all laugh out loud as a family, and why not, go to the dictionary from time to time.”
Host Darío Barassi, who heads Argentina’s rendition of “Love Is Blind” alongside Wanda Nara, presented the audience with previews of the productions on the horizon. Among them were Bruno Stagnaro’s Ricardo Darín-starring graphic novel adaptation, “The Eternaut,” two Daniel Burman projects and a spin-off of “El marginal,” “En el barro,” which turns on the lives of the female prison population, a punchy and raw answer to “Orange is the New Black.”
Adrián Suar-fronted “No puedo vivir sin ti,” Griselda Siciliani-led “Envidiosas” and Santiago Korovsky’s “División Palermo Season 2” also shared wry teasers-their protagonists in attendance-alongside peeks at anticipated festival-circuit buzz titles “El hombre que amaba los platos voladores,” and “Simón de la montaña.”
Speaking to the fortitude behind the ambitious “The Eternaut,” Darín remarked, “It was the work of a huge team, with a lot of grit, a lot of passion.”
Continuing, “We have great expectations with this story because this version is very well thought out and designed. I believe this will make us proud. I also believe this is what could hypothetically open a window, to be able to continue dreaming of doing similar things, with similar characteristics, of similar scope. It’s a big project, very ambitious, and that makes us, of course, a little nervous.”
Francisco “Paco” Ramos, Netflix’s Lat Am VP of content, added that it was set to be “one of the most important projects for the audiovisual industry in Argentina and Latin America. The work, the precision, the ambition, the rigor, and the love and passion that everyone in this team is putting in is very inspiring.”
The event took place at the Centro Cultural San Martin, a storied arts hub situated in the downtown theater district and an ardent arm of support for regional cinema, on the heels of strict government efforts to cut state-backed funding of the country’s audiovisual sector.
With film-TV body INCAA taking major blows this year and Ventana Sur heading to Montevideo, Uruguay, after spending its formative years in Buenos Aires, Netflix hopes to coax viewers further into the country’s audiovisual offerings under its Made in Argentina banner.
While the streamer might not be able to fully supplement the industry, the event lent hope that each project included in the line-up would further spawn interest in the region’s vast talent pool, promoting varied and unique narratives that travel effortlessly across markets.
“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,’” Ramos noted.
“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,” he concluded.
Further info on the upcoming titles:
Series
“Ángel Di María: Romper la pared” (Dir: Juan Baldana, Prod: PEGSA)
This three-part documentary series takes an intimate dive into the life and career of Argentine soccer great Ángel di Maria, from his humble upbringing through to the championships that solidified his legacy. Interviews include Di María and those closest to him, such as Lionel Messi, Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez, Neymar and Lionel Scaloni. Premiering Sept.12.
“Atrapados” (Dir: Miguel Cohan, Hernán Goldfrid, Prod: Haddock Films)
Based on Harlan Coben’s novel Caught, the series follows journalist Ema Garay, who rises to professional acclaim catching criminals who’ve long evaded justice. She soon meets prominent socialite Leo Mercer, who becomes the main suspect in her investigation into the disappearance of a teen girl. Soledad Villamil, Juan Minujín and Alberto Ammann lead the cast. The series debuted in 2025.
“División Palermo Season 2” (Dir: Santiago Korovsky, Rafael López Saubidet, Prod: K&S Films)
Director Korovsky created and stars in the second season of the series, which sees its protagonist joined by the urban guard as they expand to fresh beats while the Palermo Division faces new challenges, suddenly entangled in the city’s bizarre criminal underworld. Filming is currently underway.
“El Eternauta” (Dir: Bruno Stagnaro, Prod: K&S Films)
Based on the acclaimed graphic novel from Héctor G. Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López, the series follows Juan Salvo, played by Ricardo Darin, as he and fellow survivors navigate an alien threat while traversing the near-apocalyptic cityscape after a freak snowstorm wipes out millions. Carla Peterson, César Troncoso, Andrea Pietra and Ariel Staltari also star in the project eyeing a 2025 debut.
“Envidiosa” (Dir: Gabriel Medina Prod: Adrián Suar)
Vicky silently envies her friends’ wedded bliss. Soon turning 40, she nudges her boyfriend toward a proposal. When things don’t go as planned, she’s forced to reevaluate her strategy, and in the course of readjusting to the single life, she takes a journey toward self-discovery. Griselda Siciliani, Esteban Lamothe, Pilar Gamboa, Violeta Urtizberea and Benjamín Vicuña star in the series set for release on Sept. 18.
“En el barro” (Dir: Alejandro Ciancio, Prod: Underground Producciones)
The spin-off to Sebastián Ortega’s highly popular “El marginal,” the fresh series now focuses on the lives of female prisoners as protagonist Gladys Guerra and her incarcerated peers showcase the intricacies of a new life behind bars. The project is currently in production. Ana Garibaldi, Valentina Zenere, Rita Cortese, Lorena Vega, Marcelo Subiotto, Carolina Ramírez star.
“Las maldiciones” (Dir: Daniel Burman, Martín Hodara, Prod: Oficina Burman, Cimarrón)
A political drama from Daniel Burman based on Claudia Piñeiro’s novel of the same name. Leo Sbaraglia and Gustavo Bassani lead the cast, the narrative following the kidnapping of the governor’s daughter by his right-hand man while a crucial law on lithium exploitation is on the ballot. Motives are slowly revealed, and a 13-year-old plot comes to light. Currently filming.
“Love Is Blind Argentina” (Dir: Ariel Burta, Prod: Fremantle)
Wanda Nara and Darío Barassi host the Argentine adaptation of “Love is Blind,” the singles experiment where contestants hope to find love that goes beyond physical attraction. They’ll travel, live together, and plan their nuptials in this emotional and engaging romp towards the isle. Set to premiere in 2024.
“Mafalda” (Dir: Juan José Campanella, Prod: Netflix, Mundoloco CGI)
Beloved animated juggernaut Mafalda gets the series treatment in this animated project from acclaimed Oscar-winning director Juan José Campanella, who adapts the late Quino’s iconic character and her hijinks for the masses in this Netflix Original.
Films
“27 noches” (Dir: Daniel Hendler, Prod: La Unión de los Ríos)
In production, the film is an adaptation of the book “27 Nights” by Natalia Zito. Produced by Santiago Mitre and Agustina Llambi Campbell, it tells the story of Natalia Kohen, the artist imprisoned by her daughters.
“Campamento con Mamá” (Dir: Martino Zaidelis, Prod:100 Bares Producciones)
Patri is an overbearing mother who struggles to connect with her teen son, determined to move in with his father. In an attempt to prove she’s cool and keep him under her roof, she offers to take her son and his friends on a camping road trip while vying for his affection. Premiering in 2024, Natalia Oreiro, Milo Lis and Pablo Rago star.
“Corazón delator” (Dir: Marcos Carnevale, Prod: Sony Pictures Int’l Productions, Leyenda Films, Kuarzo Entertainment)
Superficial businessman Juan Manuel receives a heart transplant from humble family man Pedro. After the surgery, he seeks to learn more about Pedro’s life and falls in love with his widow, who feels an immediate and special bond with the man who now carries her husband’s heart. Benjamín Vicuña and Julieta Díaz star. Debuts in 2025.
“El hombre que amaba los platos voladores” (Dir: Diego Lerman, Prod: Campo Cine & Bicho Films)
Diego Lerman’s latest, selected for competition at this year’s San Sebastian Film Festival, follows entertainment journalist José de Zer (Leonardo Sbaraglia) and his cameraman Chango as they travel to Cordoba to investigate a crop circle. Their investigation takes on a life of its own and leads to a fabled extraterrestrial affair. A 2024 streaming release is on deck.
“Las hermanas fantásticas” (Dir: Fabiana Tiscornia, Prod: Patagonik Film Group)
Sofía Morandi and Leticia Siciliani play estranged sisters who inherit an apartment in the city’s elite neighborhood of Puerto Madero after their father dies. Untrusting, they’ll have to navigate their emotions and work together after they find 3 million euros hidden in a false wall. Debuting Aug. 30 on the streamer.
“No puedo vivir sin ti” (Dir: Santiago Requejo, Prod: Preludio Producciones Sa, 02:59 Films, Pris&Batty)
The cell-phone-obsessed Carlos faces an ultimatum from his wife after ruining a family event. Trying everything to win her back, he joins a therapy group for those suffering the same phone addiction. Premiering Aug. 16, Adrián Suar, Paz Vega star.
Coming to Netflix after theatrical release:
“La mujer de la fila” (Dir: Benjamín Ávila, Prod: Mostra Cine, Buffalo Films)
Based on a true story, the project follows Andrea, a middle-class mother whose son is unjustly incarcerated. She grapples with the injustice of being torn apart from her child, and as others in the same boat help her cope, she’ll strive to overturn her son’s conviction while facing inner struggles.
“Miss Carbón” (Dir: Agustina Macri, Prod: Morena Films, Pensa y Rocca Cine, The Warning of Rivard AIE)
A trans woman, Carlita is the first female miner in town, earning income in a manner previously off limits to her as a superstition that women working in the field would cause a mine’s collapse. Inspired by true events, the film turns on her passion and determination to sever the norms and achieve her dreams. Lux Pascal stars.
“Transmitzvah” (Dir: Daniel Burman, Prod: Oficina Burman)
Burman brings audiences a “love story between brothers,” as the synopsis reads. The narrative follows Mumy Singer as she solidifies her true identity. A playful romp toward acceptance anchored by the unshakeable bond between siblings. Penélope Guerrero and Juan Minujín star.
“Simón de la montaña” (Dir: Federico Luis, Prod: 20/20)
Winner of the Grand Prix at Cannes Critics Week, the film stars Lorenzo Ferro as Simón, a young moving assistant who lives in the turbulent foothills of the Andes, where inclement weather abounds. Inept at cooking and keeping a tidy home, he seems to suddenly be morphing into a different person.
