Diabla Cine & We Are Not Zombies Team Up for “The Paradise”

In a significant development for Latin American audiovisual content, Bolivia’s Diabla Cine and Mexico’s We Are Not Zombies have officially announced a co-production deal for the upcoming series, “The Paradise” (“El Paraíso”). This exclusive collaboration comes as the project gears up for its presentation at the highly anticipated Ventana Sur market, scheduled from December 1-5. The series promises a deep and analytical exploration into the complex history of cocaine as a geopolitical instrument across Latin America.

A Deep Dive into “The Paradise”

“The Paradise” is poised to offer a compelling narrative rooted in over three decades of meticulous research. The series aims to chronicle how cocaine evolved from a commodity into a powerful political and military tool across the Latin American continent.

Its core focus lies in uncovering the hidden alliances that have historically intertwined governments, intelligence agencies, and criminal networks, shaping the very origins of the drug trade as a system of power. A distinguishing feature of the series is its reliance on real-life testimonies and interviews with key witnesses and experts. This extensive investigation, led by Theo Roncken, forms the factual backbone of the narrative. Furthermore, the show will incorporate insights from informants directly involved in these historical events, many of whom have served sentences related to drug trafficking in the United States.

The Creative Force Behind the Series

The vision for “The Paradise” is spearheaded by Claudio Araya Silva, who is credited as the creator, director, and co-writer of the series. Silva will collaborate on the script with Theo Roncken, whose decades-long research is central to the project’s authenticity.

Producing the series are Ramiro Medina Flores and Claudio Araya Silva for both Diabla Cine and We Are Not Zombies. Silva highlighted that this co-production is a “natural result” of a creative partnership spanning over 15 years, a relationship fostered by a shared commitment to developing critical cinema with social impact.

Strategic Alliance and Production Details

The collaboration between Diabla Cine and We Are Not Zombies represents a strategic convergence of perspectives. Silva emphasized the project’s relevance in addressing a significant gap in the global discourse on drug trafficking. While prevalent narratives often focus on issues like structural violence in Mexico or Bolivia’s anti-drug policies, the decisive role played by the United States in this intricate system is frequently underrepresented. This alliance, therefore, seeks to challenge dominant narratives and encourage a broader reflection on co-responsibility and the geopolitical dynamics that underpin this global conflict.

The first phase of production is slated to commence in September 2026, with filming expected to take place across Bolivia, Mexico, and the United States. The series is currently in an advanced stage of development, with post-production anticipated to conclude in early 2028.

Challenging Dominant Narratives

Claudio Araya Silva clarified that “The Paradise” aims to move beyond the superficial glamour often associated with the drug trade. Instead, it endeavors to expose “the machinery behind it, the alliances that rewrote our continent&#x2019s reality.” He described the series as a “political investigation filmed with the intimacy of a personal diary and the precision of a historical archive.”

Ramiro Medina Flores echoed this sentiment, noting that many stories about the drug trade are told from an external viewpoint. In contrast, “‘The Paradise’ tells it from within Latin America. Through the eyes of those who lived it and the archives that prove it. It&#x2019s a series built on truth, not myth.”

About the Co-Producing Entities

Diabla Cine: Based in Bolivia, Diabla Cine is recognized for its dedication to producing documentaries that aim to preserve Latin American history and culture. The company focuses on bringing to light stories that are crucial for understanding the present, yet are often overlooked or forgotten.

We Are Not Zombies: As part of the creative network We Are Not Zombies, based in Mexico City, WANZ Films produces a diverse range of projects including films, docuseries, and community-driven initiatives across Latin America. Since its inception in 2013, the company has actively fostered connections between art, activism, and cinema, resulting in works that have achieved international recognition at festivals in locations from Mexico to Cannes.

Conclusion

The co-production agreement between Diabla Cine and We Are Not Zombies for “The Paradise” signals an ambitious endeavor to present a nuanced and thoroughly researched account of drug trafficking’s historical and geopolitical dimensions. With its unique access to real testimonies and a commitment to challenging established narratives, the series is poised to offer a significant contribution to understanding a complex issue that continues to shape Latin America and beyond. Its selection for Ventana Sur further underscores its potential impact on the international market.