Naman Shrestha
Adapted from the eponymous novel written by Claudia Piñeiro, Netflix’s ‘Maledictions’ is an Argentinian political thriller drama series that revolves around the governor of northern Argentina and the difficult choices he has to make while dealing with a conspiracy. The Daniel Burman creation follows the governor Fernando Rovira, who finds his world turned upside down when his young daughter is kidnapped by his private secretary amidst the voting for a crucial lithium exploitation law. On the brink of a career-defining moment, Fernando’s plans to pass the law for his own benefit suffer a setback as he is caught between prioritizing his daughter’s safety and his greed for power.
After the kidnapper’s motives to abduct his daughter are revealed, he begins to notice a secret 13-year-old conspiracy that makes him question everything. Originally titled ‘Las Maldiciones,’ the intense story of the show is brought to life by the stellar performances of a talented ensemble cast, including Leonardo Sbaraglia, Gustavo Bassani, Alejandra Flechner, Francesca Varela, Mónica Antonópulos, Emiliano Kaczka, and Osmar Núñez. Moreover, the earthy and muted color palette supported by the barren and arid landscapes creates a sense of isolation among the characters and adds a layer of tension in the narrative.
Maledictions Filming Locations
The filming for ‘Maledictions’ reportedly takes place in Argentina, especially in and around Jujuy. From what we can tell, principal photography for the inaugural iteration of the thriller series seemingly got underway in the summer of 2024 and continued for several weeks before wrapping up by August of the same year. To offer an immersive experience to the audience, the team braved the harsh and demanding environmental conditions of the filming sites.
Jujuy, Argentina
For the purpose of filming, the cast and crew traveled to the northwestern edge of Argentina. In particular, they set up camp in the province of Jujuy. Rated as one of the most underrated gems in the country, the cultural hub is known for its breathtaking high-altitude desert landscapes as well as spots of cultural and historical significance. The Andean plateau, known as Puna Jujeña, served as an integral filming site for the production team. Standing tall at over 11,500 to 13,000 feet above sea level, the region boasts a dramatic landscape that ranges from rugged high-altitude valleys to shimmering salt flats to majestic volcanic peaks.
The unpredictably harsh weather, which shifts from sunny to windy to dry, makes filming in the area a real challenge. The shooting of ‘Maledictions’ also took place in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, the iconic mountainous valley that serves as the gateway to the Puna of Jujuy. It is renowned for multicolored hills, unique rock formations, and villages steeped in the history of the region. Though the process of production was marred by certain hiccups, especially due to the challenging geographical conditions, which also impacted the filming schedule, the team managed to pull the shoot off without compromising on the vision. A few sequences were also seemingly lensed in the rural municipality and village of Pastos Chicos.
Nevertheless, it was only possible owing to the determined effort put forth by each and every member of the cast and crew. In an interview with To Do Jujuy, Francesca opened up about the ups and downs they faced to bring the film to life. She stated the shooting often commenced quite early in the mornings, mostly around 7 am, and they had to tape the scenes in sub-zero temperatures. Having said that, she emphasized that she ultimately found the experience deeply rewarding and will cherish her time on set, alongside all the memories she created with the team.
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