Through different manifestations in the cine and the televisionhe drug trafficking has gained space in many narrativesbut this is criticized for advocating crime, which in the actor’s opinion Jorge Zarateyou must be careful.
“Many times we get used to seeing the drug trafficker unreal shapesin the way that they make an apology and we want to be them, we want a family like that of He Godfather, Or do we believe that all hitmen can be like The Cochiloco and although we know that they are characters, we can also lose our way.
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“With something so delicate with this topic, I think that they do seek to criticize, we have to be quite careful with this, we don’t need to see them as heroes,” said the actor who plays The Huasteco, on the tape. Luis Estrada, Hell
For this reason, he said that Surviving the Cartel, It is more of a series close to reality. “Here we see little of those things, a lot of weight is given to personal stories, to what has to do with crime and its consequences,” he said.
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In that sense, its director says that sought to get out of common places when carrying out the project.
“There are already many things about drug trafficking and mainly in the United States we see how Mexico is always blamed for the evils. We all know that is not the case, but many prefer to stick with that idea.
“I think we had to speak the truth or as close to it as possible. Isand was the main objective with which I wrote all this”Ely Bams highlighted.
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For this reason, he says thatand it was not very easy to find someone who would like to produce and distribute a topic like this.
“Sometimes we need to be more critical and tell our government what we don’t like and what we know is wrong.
“But I didn’t want to talk to the government, the State cannot change from one day to the next, I think it is better to talk to the people, they do listen to you more easily and well, in this story we see that there are many victims of circumstances , that They didn’t choose to be there. but they didn’t choose to leave there either,” he added.
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In the United States, this series has already premiered and its creator feels that it has a good connection with the audience, because it shows them something that deep down they wanted to see: “An interpretation of the reality of things, from fiction.
“There is drug trafficking but it would not be as strong without corruption or support from powerful people who obviously should not be,” he concluded. Ely Bams.
Surviving the Cartelwhich unites talents such as Jorge Zárate and Vanesa Restrepopremieres this Saturday, November 2 on the channel AMC at 11:00 p.m.
Related
Interview: The Realities of Drug Trafficking in Media
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. We have with us Jorge Zarate, a prominent actor who has recently expressed his thoughts on the representation of drug trafficking in cinema and television. Jorge, you’ve been vocal about the need for caution when portraying drug traffickers on screen. Can you elaborate on that?
Jorge Zarate: Thank you for having me. Absolutely. What I believe is crucial to highlight is that we are often exposed to depictions of drug traffickers that glamorize their lifestyle. Characters can come off as heroes or role models, which is a dangerous narrative. It desensitizes viewers to the real consequences of crime and violence.
Editor: It’s true that many films and shows create compelling narratives around these figures, often setting them in heroic or romanticized scenarios. How do you think this affects society’s perception of drug trafficking?
Jorge Zarate: When audiences watch these portrayals, they can start to idolize these characters without understanding the grave realities behind them. For example, shows like ”El Patrón” do not always highlight the deep personal tragedies and societal impacts of drug trafficking. It’s easy to want a family dynamic akin to that seen in films like “The Godfather,” but we must remember that these are fictionalized accounts—real lives are destroyed by this crime.
Editor: You mentioned your role in Surviving the Cartel, which aims to tell a more gritty and realistic story. What differentiates this series from others in the genre?
Jorge Zarate: Surviving the Cartel focuses on the human stories behind the headlines. The audience sees the consequences—not just the glamor, but the pain and struggles that real people face. The director, Ely Bams, aimed to break away from stereotypes and common tropes. We strive for honesty in storytelling.
Editor: Ely Bams has highlighted that it was difficult to find producers willing to tackle such a sensitive topic. Why do you think that is?
Jorge Zarate: Content about drug trafficking can be risky for producers. There’s a fear of backlash, particularly when addressing the complexities of the issue instead of falling back on sensationalism. Many people would rather perpetuate simple ideas, blaming Mexico for all problems related to drug trafficking. Surviving the Cartel aims to challenge that narrative, but it’s a brave step.
Editor: You emphasize the importance of not portraying drug traffickers as heroes. Why do you think it’s essential to keep this distinction clear in our media?
Jorge Zarate: It’s essential because media shapes societal attitudes and beliefs. If we glorify criminals, we risk encouraging real-life imitations. We’re steering young minds toward a dangerous way of thinking. The narratives should center on resilience and the harsh realities faced by victims of this violence, not on romanticizing the criminals.
Editor: In your opinion, do you think filmmakers and writers bear a responsibility in how they portray these subjects?
Jorge Zarate: Definitely. Artists and storytellers have the power to influence minds and cultures. With that power comes responsibility. It’s crucial to approach such topics thoughtfully and with care. We must be aware that audiences can often take what they see at face value, leading to misconceptions about reality.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Jorge. It’s imperative to foster honest dialogue around these narratives, and your perspective brings vital awareness to the industry.
Jorge Zarate: Thank you for having me! It’s all about creating a more informed audience and fostering understanding—issues as complex as drug trafficking deserve our attention in a nuanced way.
Editor: We appreciate your time and commitment to this conversation. We look forward to seeing how Surviving the Cartel unfolds, and we encourage our readers to reflect critically on the media they consume. Thank you again, Jorge!