This week the GLAAD Media Institute’s Spanish-Language & Latine Media team has exciting updates on Latin American film and television, as well a highly anticipated reality show premiering in Brazil from a franchise you might have heard about.
Los Iniciados
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Los Iniciados is a suspense thriller out of Colombia inspired by the books of author Mario Mendoza. The film takes place in a near future plagued by water shortages where a hardened journalist named Frank Molina (Andrés Parra) and a wrestler who goes by “Lady Masacre” (Aria Jara) find themselves brought together after a suspicious murder. Jara is a newcomer to the screen, whose leading role in this sci-fi thriller is an exciting milestone for trans representation in mainstream Latin American cinema.
In an interview with Crónica, Jara emphasizes the importance of groups like La Red Comunitaria Trans (or the Trans Community Network) consulting on the film and helping cast trans performers in various roles. She told the Mexican publication: “Every grain of sand that any trans woman has put in the world of entertainment in Colombia has served as an inspiration for others.”
Ana Season 3
The third season of the comedy series Ana premieres this month. It’s an over-the-top comedy that often parodies writer, director and star Ana de la Reguera’s experiences in the entertainment industry, as well as her personal life. In an interview with Milenio, de la Reguera describes season three as a turning point for the character that shares her name, who’s charting a journey toward happiness in the midst of utter failure.
The series also co-stars Ali Gua Gua as Ana’s sister, who plays a DJ and musician on the show — although viewers may recognize her as part of the real-life “tropical punk” band Kumbia Queers.
Drag Race Brazil
The Drag Race franchise continues its global takeover, with the most recent international spin-off announced in Brazil. Hosted by Grag Queen, the season one winner of Paramount’s Queen of the Universe, the show is rumored to feature twelve performers ready to vie for the crown of Brazil’s next drag superstar. Queens like Pabllo Vittar and Gloria Groove have helped put Brazilian drag on the global map over the last few years with their music and vocal prowess — Pabllo Vittar even c0-hosted a drag singing competition on HBO Max in 2022 called Queen Stars Brazil. It’s clear drag vocalists have made an impact on the scene in Brazil and with a host like Grag Queen it’ll be exciting to see how much of an emphasis DRB places on vocal talent and dance alongside fashion, lip syncing and comedy.