Directors Abner Benaim and Oscar Godoy will helm the series ‘School of the Americas,’ featuring Daniela Vega and Alfredo Castro.
Panama’s Abner Benaim and Oscar Godoy have been announced as co-directors of the fiction series ‘School of the Americas’ (Escuela de las Américas). This news was confirmed in an exclusive report by Variety on September 7, 2026. The series will feature prominent Chilean actors Daniela Vega, known for her role in the Oscar-winning film A Fantastic Woman, and Alfredo Castro, who has collaborated with filmmaker Pablo Larraín on various projects.
The series is expected to delve into the historical context of the El Jazmín massacre in 1983. It begins with an exhumation that uncovers evidence linking a group of commandos to the infamous U.S. Army School of the Americas, which has been a focal point in discussions about human rights violations in Latin America. The narrative will follow a Panamanian-American investigator named Inés Vega, who connects the massacre to the counterinsurgency tactics taught at the school, indicating a deeper exploration of violence and legacy.
The project has also been selected to participate in the Co-Production and Financing Forum at the Iberseries & Platino Industria, set to occur from September 29 to October 2.
Benaim, regarded as Panama’s leading filmmaker, has represented the country multiple times at the Academy Awards, with notable works including the documentary Invasion and the recently acclaimed feature Plaza Catedral, which has garnered significant recognition. His storytelling often tackles complex themes of identity, history, and human rights.
Godoy brings a wealth of experience to the project as well. Having served as the first assistant director on several acclaimed films by Pablo Larraín including Neruda and No, he possesses a strong background in narrative direction that complements Benaim’s vision. Godoy’s feature film, Ulysses, has been celebrated at film festivals, reinforcing his solid credentials in storytelling.
The portrayal of the School of the Americas in this series is particularly important given its storied legacy rooted in military training and contentious history throughout Latin America. Guillermo Escalona, co-creator of the series, emphasizes that the narrative is not solely focused on depicting violence but is rather an exploration of systemic teachings that foster such ideologies. This reflective approach may resonate particularly with audiences interested in historical narratives and their implications on current societal issues.
Producers Seedling Media Productions from Panama and La Panda Productions from the U.S. and Spain have announced intentions to kick off principal photography in 2028, contingent on successful financing arrangements. As Benaim and Godoy embark on this challenging endeavor, the series aims to illuminate narratives often overlooked in mainstream media.
The addition of renowned directors like Abner Benaim and Oscar Godoy to ‘School of the Americas’ is expected to draw considerable attention, not only because of their previous accolades but also due to the provocative themes the series intends to explore. The combination of powerful storytelling, rooted in historical authenticity, has the potential to engage a broad audience while contributing significantly to discussions about human rights and the impact of historical education in military contexts. Fans of both directors and actors involved can anticipate a thought-provoking narrative that challenges perceptions of history and morality in a deeply affected region.
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