(Press release)
Aby Media, an independent production company based in Abidjan and Los Angeles, is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement with TelevisaUnivision, the world's leading Spanish-language media group, for the acquisition of the rights to adapt the iconic telenovela Marimar for African audiences.
First broadcast in 1994, Marimar has established itself as an iconic work of its genre, praised for its universality and resounding success. A true global phenomenon, the series has left an indelible mark on the history of television in Africa, ranking among the most watched foreign programs on the continent. The poignant story of Marimar, a young woman from a modest background who overcomes betrayal and hardship to regain her dignity, continues to deeply touch African viewers of all generations.
A timeless story, more relevant than ever
In a rapidly changing African context, where issues of emancipation, social justice, and individual affirmation are at the heart of the aspirations of new generations, Marimar appears to be a remarkably timely work. Its central themes—resilience, the fight against inequality, self-determination, and female empowerment—resonate powerfully with an audience eager for stories that convey meaning, inspiration, and hope.
"Marimar is much more than a telenovela: it is a symbol of social revenge and regained dignity," says Kimberley Azria, CEO of Aby Media. "Adapting it today for African audiences means reviving a shared emotional heritage, while offering a reinterpretation rooted in the contemporary realities of the continent. This initiative reinforces our commitment to building strong cultural bridges between Africa's great narrative traditions and the global audiovisual landscape."
A pioneering collaboration between Africa and Latin America
For decades, TelevisaUnivision's telenovelas have dominated the African television landscape and inspired many local creators. However, this adaptation marks a historic first: never before has a telenovela of this scale been adapted locally by an independent African production company. This major milestone powerfully illustrates the deep cultural and narrative kinship between Latin America and Africa, and paves the way for a new era of format exchanges, co-productions, and creative and commercial partnerships between the two regions.
A turning point for the African audiovisual industry
This agreement represents a major step forward for the African audiovisual ecosystem, affirming its artistic maturity and its capacity to undertake ambitious international collaborations. It also reflects the continent's growing appetite for structured, emotionally powerful, and accessible narratives that authentically depict the daily lives, dreams, and victories of local communities.
Development of the African adaptation of Marimar will begin at the end of the third quarter of 2025.
About Aby Media
Aby Media is the only production company strategically located in the United States, English-speaking Africa, and French-speaking Africa. With offices in Abidjan and Los Angeles, it develops powerful audiovisual works rooted in African realities while designed to appeal to both local and international audiences. Aby Media produces fiction and streaming projects led by emerging or acclaimed African talent, and actively supports innovative South-South creative partnerships.
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