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In a bold and historic move, Netflix has pledged $1 billion toward producing Mexican films and series over the next four years, marking its biggest investment yet in the country’s entertainment industry. The announcement came directly from Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who appeared alongside President Claudia Sheinbaum during her Thursday morning press conference. His message was clear and symbolic:
Sarandos reflected on the streamer’s long-standing ties with Mexico, recalling that Netflix’s very first international production was the comedy series Club de Cuervos, filmed in Mexico nearly ten years ago. That show, he noted, set the tone for Netflix’s global content strategy—creating stories in countries for their local audiences.
He also highlighted the significance of Mexican-made projects like Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which won Best Animated Feature. These milestones, Sarandos said, weren’t just wins for Netflix—they were victories for Mexico’s rich storytelling tradition.
Netflix emphasized the economic impact of its productions. Just one film, Pedro Páramo, contributed over MXN 375 million (approximately $18.4 million) to Mexico’s economy. The new $1B investment is expected to dramatically scale up job creation, boost infrastructure, and energize the audiovisual sector nationwide. As part of the initiative, $2 million will be allocated to further developing Churubusco Studios in Mexico City—one of Latin America’s most historic film production centers, dating back to the 1940s. To commemorate the moment, Sarandos presented President Sheinbaum with a traditional Mexican rebozo (shawl) worn by the character Damiana in Pedro Páramo—a nod to both heritage and Netflix’s continued cultural engagement. This announcement positions Mexico as a central player in Netflix’s global strategy and sends a strong signal to the entertainment world that Latin American content is no longer peripheral—it’s a creative and commercial powerhouse. With this $1 billion commitment, Netflix isn’t just producing shows—it’s helping shape the future of the region’s cinematic legacy.
