Paraguay may rarely take centre stage in global cinema, but its presence on screen tells a different story. From comedies to thrillers, mentions of Paraguay on screen surface again and again, not by accident, but as a powerful reference point. Each mention reflects how the world imagines Paraguay: complex, intriguing, and impossible to ignore.
When Jennifer López referenced Paraguay in The Mother, few viewers recognised the broader pattern. Yet these moments are part of a larger history of mentions of Paraguay on screen, stretching across decades of Hollywood films and television.
How Paraguay became a screenwriting shorthand
The number of references is striking. In The Office, a character jokes about Paraguayan coffee. Additionally, in Gilmore Girls, business dealings are compared to “a map of Paraguay.” In Anaconda, a character simply states, “I am from Paraguay.”
In Monk, the mention of Paraguay is through on screen is through Guaraní, highlighting both language and identity. These are not isolated mentions. They form a pattern: Paraguay functions as a cultural shorthand across genres, appearing in productions like NCIS, Blindspot, and ALF.
Even fictional worlds draw from it. In Freelance, the invented country “Paldonia” mirrors Paraguay’s geography exactly, reinforcing its role as a global reference point.
Symbolism and shifting narratives
On screen, Paraguay often signals something deeper. In Wedding Crashers, it represents economic uncertainty. In Grosse Pointe Blank, it suggests danger and hidden connections.
Elsewhere, it takes on softer meanings. Mozart in the Jungle references tereré, while Dynasty links Paraguay to business ventures. Lastly, in Blindspot, Paraguay becomes a place of refuge.
Jennifer López’s line in The Mother introduces a more critical lens, associating Paraguay with deforestation and global environmental concerns. Together, these portrayals reveal a country that is not fixed in meaning, but constantly reinterpreted.
Ciudad del Este: A strategic narrative setting
Ciudad del Este, located at the tri-border with Brazil and Argentina, frequently appears in international narratives. The city is a hub for illicit activity in the show NCIS. This reflects its real-world strategic position. As a crossroads of commerce and movement, it offers screenwriters a ready-made setting for complex, cross-border stories.
From reference to reality
Paraguay’s presence is no longer limited to dialogue. Miami Vice filmed scenes in Ciudad del Este, using it as a stand-in for a fictional location.
More recently, Pluribus integrates Paraguay directly into its narrative, marking a shift towards deeper engagement.
Moreover, major studios are beginning to take notice. Warner Bros. has explored production opportunities in Paraguay, signalling new possibilities. With investment in its audiovisual sector and a diverse landscape, Paraguay is emerging as a viable destination for international productions.
From passing reference to global presence
Hollywood’s relationship with Paraguay is evolving. What was once a convenient reference is becoming a tangible filming location. As international productions expand and local industries grow, Paraguay’s role in global storytelling is no longer symbolic. Mentions of Paraguay on screen are real, visible, and increasingly influential for the country.
For more on Paraguay’s role in major international productions, see Pluribus: Why Paraguay Matters to Apple TV’s Record-Breaking Series
