Netflix brings magical Latin American masterpiece to life in unique Cuban screening
A ground-breaking TV adaptation of Garcia Marquezʼs famous novel got special screening in Havana where Netflix is blocked. The 16-part series marks first-ever screen version of the legendary book
Local movie-goers packed Havanas Yara cinema last winter for a rare treat: two episodes of the first-ever screen version of “One Hundred Years of Solitude“ (even though Netflix service dont work in Cuba)
The 16-part series which debuted on Netflix about a year ago brings the magical-realist masterpiece by Gabriel Garcia Marquez to life — a book that has touched readers hearts for almost 60 years. The story follows the multi-generational Buendia family in made-up town Macondo; their tale mixes everyday life with out-of-this world events
We want to show the world that we are more than what they know us for
The production team made some key-decisions: filming everything in Colombia using Spanish language and keeping true to the books spirit. Garcia Marquezʼs sons (who passed away about 10 years ago) joined as co-producers — they liked Netflixʼs no-hollywood approach to their fathers work
The series features rich costumes from 1800s and beautiful shots of Colombiaʼs coast-line. Its part of Netflixʼs push into Latin literature; theyʼre working on more book-to-screen projects including:
- Mexican writer Jorge Ibarguengoitiaʼs work
- Angeles Mastretta stories
- Laura Restrepoʼs books
Cuban actress Jacqueline Arenal who joined the cast shared her joy: “I never thought it would happen — and now Im part of it“
