Colombia’s audiovisual industry is experiencing a significant surge, highlighted by the complete allocation of its 2025 Audiovisual Investment Certificate (CINA) quota by mid-September. This milestone marks a new chapter for the industry, driven by a 35% transferable tax credit introduced in 2012 alongside the Colombia Film Fund. As a result, international projects are increasingly flocking to the country, with streaming giant Netflix at the forefront of this investment trend.
Netflix’s ambitious adaptation of Nobel Laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez‘s “One Hundred Years of Solitude” set a high bar for production value in Latin America, premiering its first season last year. The second and final season is currently in post-production, with a release slated for next year. According to Francisco Ramos, Netflix’s VP of Latin American content, launching multiple final seasons in a single year demonstrates the company’s strong commitment to the region.
As demand rises, major Colombian studios such as RCN, Caracol, and TIS Studios have expanded their facilities to accommodate international productions. Recently, TIS Studios, which is 75% owned by Paramount, hosted Todd Yellin‘s “52nd State.” Renowned director Zack Snyder also completed filming in Colombia for his passion project “The Last Photograph,” showcasing the local talent’s adaptability to his intense filming schedule.
Filming took place across diverse locations including Bogota, Chingaza National Park, and the Amazon. Snyder took on multiple roles as director, director of photography, and camera operator, achieving an impressive average of 40 setups per day. He praised the local crew, noting that he hired many local talents through production services company Jaguar Bite. While he brought only his trusted Arri Alexa 265 camera, all other equipment was sourced locally.
Actor Kiefer Sutherland, who stars in “Sierra Madre,” also commended the exceptional talent in Colombia, stating, “The actors — both male and female — that I had the opportunity to work with from Colombia were truly exceptional.” His project, like Snyder’s, was serviced by Jaguar Bite, emphasizing the growing reputation of Colombian production service companies.
Colombian Film Commissioner Silvia Echeverri remarked on the increasing interest from studios in larger projects, which is enhancing the country’s infrastructure to support this growth. She pointed out that the local production teams have demonstrated their capability to deliver projects that were once exclusively produced in Mexico and Brazil.
To further attract large-scale productions, some industry leaders suggest that Colombia should consider offering additional incentives. Juan Pablo Solana, VP of production at Jaguar Bite, indicated that projects have opted for locations like Australia due to more attractive incentives, despite higher costs associated with distance.
The success of productions like “The Last Photograph” and “Sierra Madre” has bolstered local industry confidence, with Jaguar Bite also servicing projects like the bilingual Indian political thriller “White.” According to Daniel Hernández Bocanegra, director general of Secuoya Latin America, collaboration with high-caliber filmmakers has enhanced local talent and resources, raising the production quality to meet international standards.
As of 2025, the CINA incentive has approved 32 additional projects, translating to an estimated investment of $188 million. Since its inception, CINA has generated over $861 million in accumulated investment, creating more than 130,000 direct jobs. The impact extends beyond film sets; according to research from Omdia, Netflix’s Spanish-language content garnered 2.59 billion hours of viewing time in late 2024, with Colombia accounting for 24.6% of that, trailing only Spain.
The boom in audiovisual production is also benefiting Colombia’s tourism sector, resulting in over 570,000 hotel nights and 30,000 airline tickets sold. The reach of these incentivized projects spans across 24 departments and 153 municipalities, showcasing a broad regional impact.
Recent and upcoming projects filmed in Colombia illustrate the industry’s thriving landscape. These include:
– “Atrapelo quien pueda,” directed by Alfonso Pineda Ulloa, produced by Mediapro/Cimarron Cine Mexico and Telemundo Studios.
– “Coyotes,” directed by Colin Minihan, produced by Jaguar Bite/Capstone Studios.
– “The 39,” a historical drama by Secuoya Studios, now available on Prime Video Latin America.
The Colombian film industry is not just growing; it is evolving, establishing itself as a competitive hub for international filmmakers. As more high-profile projects continue to emerge, the country is poised to become a leading destination in the global audiovisual landscape.
