Francisco González Compean, an accomplished Mexican producer known for films including “Amores Perros” and “Instructions Not Included,” has joined forces with director Chava Cartas to establish Durango Films. The new production company specializes in action drama content and was created following the remarkable performance of their thriller “Counterattack” on Netflix, which achieved record-breaking viewership numbers in early 2025.
“Counterattack” demonstrated substantial international appeal, spending twelve weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10 for non-English language films and accumulating nearly 67 million views. The film’s success prompted Netflix to develop an expanded universe centered on the original story, signaling confidence in both the filmmakers and the commercial viability of Mexican action cinema on the streaming platform.
Durango Films is moving forward with “Facing El Chapo,” debuting on Netflix in August. The film stars Alfonso Herrera and Noé Hernández as federal police officers whose routine traffic stop leads them to confront the infamous drug lord El Chapo, portrayed by Héctor Kotsifakis. Both González Compean and Cartas emphasize their commitment to presenting Mexican heroes rather than glorifying criminal elements, a narrative approach they credit with resonating strongly with audiences worldwide.
Netflix’s VP of Content for Mexico stated the platform aims to elevate Mexican action cinema by showcasing inspiring characters whose resilience and resourcefulness reflect the strength of Mexican filmmaking to global audiences.
Originally reported by Variety →
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