Alma Media Lab: A New Chapter for Latin American Storytelling

Setting the Stage: From Screen to Page and Back Again

When I first heard about the formation of Alma Media Lab, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement. It's one of those moments in entertainment journalism where you sense that a new wave is about to crash onto shore. The company, led by Chile's Francisca Alegria and Fernanda Urrejola—co-showrunners of Prime Video's epic saga The House of the Spirits—is betting on a model that has already proven its mettle in English-speaking markets with companies like Hello Sunshine or Alloy Entertainment.

"What makes Alma different is its method: a discipline of strategic storytelling, built on 25 years of television and a foundation in philosophy, that adds value to creators' work at every stage." — Coca Gómez, Co-founder & Chief Content Officer, Alma Media Lab

Their approach is ambitious, if not revolutionary: a publishing-to-screen model that begins with the written word and develops from there. But it's not just about the mechanics—it's about honoring the author's voice and ensuring creators retain their rights while delivering content that's both culturally rich and globally appealing.

Why This Matters in Today's Entertainment Landscape

The entertainment industry is no stranger to cultural storytelling, but it often falls into the trap of commodifying diversity. What sets Alma Media Lab apart is its commitment to authenticity and collaboration from day one. The idea isn't just to market Latin American stories—it's to build a framework where these stories can thrive without losing their essence.

With its launch in January 2026, Alma has already made headlines by signing deals with influential Hispanic creators. Among them are renowned author Carla Guelfenbein and Colombian jurist and law professor Federico Arellano. Both bring not just literary or legal expertise but a deep understanding of the complex realities that shape Latin American identity.

Carla Guelfenbein: A Literary Journey with Purpose

Guelfenbein, who won the prestigious Alfaguara Prize, is no stranger to the world of storytelling. Her works, including In the Distance With You and The Nature of Desire, have been celebrated for their emotional depth and cultural resonance. When she spoke about working with Coca Gómez, her words were filled with admiration:

"Novelists spend so much of our lives writing alone. To step out of that solitude and encounter Coca's agile, brilliant and extraordinarily generous mind has been an exhilarating creative experience." — Carla Guelfenbein

She went on to describe The Nature of Desire as a passionate, emotionally charged portrait that captivated readers with its exploration of love's intoxicating heights and devastating depths. If the series is anything like the novel, it promises to be a visceral journey for audiences.

Federico Arellano: Justice Through Storytelling

On the other side of the spectrum lies Federico Arellano, whose memoir about his quest to uncover the truth behind the Avianca Flight 203 bombing is as gripping as it is important. Arellano's work transcends the personal—it's a historical testament and an instrument of memory.

"I present my opera prima, the account of a legitimate fight, of the abrupt change of course in my life and of the sharps and flats that the score of my existence has set before me. It stands as an instrument of historical memory..." — Federico Arellano

This memoir isn't just a recounting of events; it's a narrative of resilience, identity, and the power of truth in a nation still grappling with its past. The inclusion of this work on Alma's slate underscores the company's mission to tell stories that matter—stories that connect with people beyond their borders.

The Audiobook Trilogy: A Modern Take on Classic Narratives

Alma Media Lab isn't stopping at screen adaptations. They're also reimagining classic Latin American properties through audiobooks. One such project is an audiobook trilogy reimagining Machos, the telenovela that left a mark on generations across Latin America. The project is a work-for-hire commission for Storytel and RDF Media—Canal 13's audio arm—which produced the acclaimed podcast Caso 63.

What makes this particularly fascinating is how it reflects a growing trend in entertainment: adapting classic narratives into new formats. It's a testament to how stories, when approached with fresh eyes and modern technology, can reach audiences who may never have encountered them before.

Breaking Barriers for Global Reach

Gómez emphasized the global potential of Alma's slate:

"The potential reach of these projects goes beyond the U.S. Hispanic and Latin American markets given the fact that 600 million people speak Spanish worldwide." — Coca Gómez

This statistic isn't just about numbers—it's about representation, inclusion, and opportunity. As Hollywood continues to search for diverse voices, Alma Media Lab is already working on the model that will make those voices not just heard, but celebrated.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Alma?

What's clear is that this isn't just a flash in the pan. Alma Media Lab is a calculated move toward a more inclusive and culturally grounded entertainment future. By focusing on creators who understand their own narratives, they're not just telling stories—they're empowering storytellers.

And as someone who has watched countless adaptations fail to capture the soul of the original work, I find myself genuinely optimistic about what this company might achieve. It's a bold statement in an industry that too often treats cultural storytelling like a commodity rather than an art form.

The world is watching—and I, for one, am eager to see how this chapter unfolds.