Laura Mora on Directing Season Two of Netflix's 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'

Colombian filmmaker Laura Mora, who directed three episodes of the first season of Netflix's adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez's 'One Hundred Years of Solitude', returns as showrunner for the second season. The second season, consisting of seven episodes, premieres on 5 August, followed by a two-hour finale on 26 August. Mora spent four years on the project, which she describes as 'touching the untouchable'. She aimed to tone down the magical realism and emphasize the political narrative, particularly the 1928 Colombian military massacre of banana workers, which García Márquez brought to light. Mora insisted on directing scenes involving the arrival of the banana company, the Americans, and the massacre, and shot in real locations, including the country club and where the Americans lived. She also incorporated history lessons for the cast and crew to address the denial surrounding this part of Colombian history. Mora highlighted the difference in how Latin American audiences relate to the novel compared to European or Anglo-Saxon audiences, emphasizing that the fantastic elements are rooted in real social tragedy. She expressed hope that the season would open conversations, especially as right-wing politician Abelardo de la Espriella is set to become Colombian president two days after the season's release. Mora believes art, such as cinema and literature, can provide enlightenment for the country's political future.