Diabla Cine and We Are Not Zombies to Co-Produce ‘The Paradise’

Bolivia’s Diabla Cine and Mexico’s We Are Not Zombies are teaming up for a groundbreaking new series titled “The Paradise” (“El Paraíso”). This series, which has been chosen for the upcoming Ventana Sur market, delves into the intricate web of political and military connections that facilitated the rise of cocaine as a powerful tool across Latin America.

The narrative of “The Paradise” is based on over 30 years of research conducted by Theo Roncken, an investigative journalist whose work forms the foundation of the show. Through real-life testimonies, interviews with key witnesses, and informants with direct connections to historical events, the series uncovers the hidden alliances between governments, intelligence agencies, and criminal networks that shaped the drug trade as a system of power.

Created by Claudio Araya Silva and produced by Ramiro Medina Flores and Silva, “The Paradise” is set to begin production in September 2026. Filming will take place in Bolivia, Mexico, and the United States, with post-production expected to be completed by early 2028.

In a statement to Variety, Silva expressed that the collaboration between Diabla Cine and We Are Not Zombies was a natural progression of their longstanding creative partnership. He emphasized the importance of the project in shedding light on the role of the United States in the global drug trade, while challenging dominant narratives and exploring the geopolitical dynamics at play.

Silva described “The Paradise” as a politically charged investigation that exposes the machinery behind the drug trade, filmed with the intimacy of a personal diary and the precision of a historical archive. Producer Ramiro Medina Flores echoed this sentiment, highlighting the series’ focus on truth rather than myth.

Diabla Cine, based in Bolivia, is dedicated to preserving Latin American history and culture through documentary filmmaking. Meanwhile, WANZ Films, a part of the We Are Not Zombies creative network in Mexico City, produces films, docuseries, and community-driven projects that bridge art, activism, and cinema across Latin America.

With its in-depth research, compelling narrative, and commitment to authenticity, “The Paradise” promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the complex forces that have shaped the drug trade in Latin America.