Two people pose inside a factory surrounded by industrial batteries and machinery.
ARGENTINA

'The Eternaut': global success without subsidies and with the contribution of a small business from Córdoba

The Argentine series is succeeding on Netflix with private investment and participation from the Cordoban family company Forbat

In a context where Argentine audiovisual production has historically depended on state subsidies, the series El Eternauta emerges as a phenomenon that challenges this logic. Produced entirely with private funds, without intervention from the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA), the adaptation of Héctor Oesterheld's comic has achieved significant cultural impact.

The series, which premiered on April 30, 2025, on Netflix, has been recognized for its quality and global reach. Furthermore, it quickly established itself as an example that it is possible to create high-quality content with private investment. This success questions the traditional narrative that Argentine culture needs state support to thrive.

Person wearing a gas mask and protective goggles in a snowy environment
Ricardo Darín portrays Juan Salvo, the protagonist of "El Eternauta" | La Derecha Diario

Córdoba's participation in a key scene

In the sixth episode, an iconic scene is presented where the protagonist and his squad board an armored train to confront the invaders. There, the locomotive is set in motion thanks to two railway batteries manufactured by the Córdoba-based SME Forbat, specialized in accumulators for railway transportation.

The company was founded by Luis Fornero, making batteries for automobiles, and is now run by his sons, Marcos and Juan Pablo Fornero. After the 2001 crisis, they decided to produce industrial batteries exclusively. Their equipment lasts up to 12 years and now they're focusing on renewable energy and lithium. The company counts Renault, Fiat, Iveco, Volkswagen, and Arcor among its clients, in addition to exporting to the region.

This participation highlights the potential of local companies in internationally-reaching productions, showing that the national industry can contribute significantly to cultural development without relying exclusively on state funding.

A hand approaches two car batteries in a dark environment
Forbat batteries used in a scene from "El Eternauta" | La Derecha Diario

A production model that sets a precedent

The creation of a successful series without state subsidies and with the collaboration of private companies such as Forbat establishes a new paradigm in Argentine audiovisual production. This model demonstrates that it is feasible to generate quality content with significant economic impact through private investment and coordination with the business sector.

This approach could inspire future productions to explore alternative financing options, promoting creative autonomy and economic sustainability in the Argentine cultural industry.

 

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