pandemic has been as varied as the cultural and political landscapes of its patchwork of countries. But whether or not theaters remain open or film and TV production continues across the region — which spans Mexico and the majority of Central and South America — has come to depend on industry members themselves. Since theoutbreak, the private sector has stepped up in many countries where leaders have remained cavalier about the spread of the pandemic.
“Spain offers unemployment insurance, but Mexico and the rest of Latin America likely does not,” Ramírez points out, adding he does not expect the Mexican government to provide any relief, given its austerity mandate. Per a 2018 study by the International Labor Organization, more than half of Latin American workers aren’t covered by a social security system that would protect them against risks related to illness, unemployment and old age.
In Brazil, far-right president Jair Bolsonaro continues to downplay the gravity of the coronavirus outbreak — even as reports circulated that he has tested positive for the illness — and his ultra-conservative policies erode the country’s once robust film biz. But trust the Brazilians to find spirited new ways to show their solidarity with the world. Inspired by news of homebound Italians singing from their balconies, the city of São Paulo launched Windows of São Paulo, an initiative that has set aside $2 million to pay qualifying artists in theater, music, dance and poetry to perform from their windows or balconies.