The Indian film industry, known worldwide as Bollywood , has set its sights on Chile as a new location for international productions. This trend, which began with logistical explorations and cultural agreements in 2024, has gained momentum during 2025, positioning the country as an attractive destination due to its geographic diversity, stability, and economic advantages for filming.
According to international media outlets such as El País and The Times of India , Indian production companies are evaluating locations in northern Chile, particularly the Atacama Desert, as well as the Valparaíso Region and the southern zone. These locations offer exotic landscapes that can represent multiple countries on screen, something highly valued in Indian cinema.
For Chile, the arrival of Bollywood represents a unique opportunity to strengthen its audiovisual industry, tourism, and international cultural projection .
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Opportunities that Bollywood offers for Chile
Growth of the local audiovisual industry
The most immediate impact is the creation of technical and artistic jobs . Bollywood productions are typically massive, employing hundreds of people in areas such as set design, makeup, sound, transportation, and catering.
The entry of these production companies into Chile can boost the professionalization of the national audiovisual sector, with training opportunities in filming techniques, visual effects and art direction.
Furthermore, cultural exchange can foster co-productions between India and Chile, opening up a market of more than 1.4 billion viewers for Latin American cinema.
International tourism promotion
Film tourism is a proven phenomenon. Movies filmed in iconic locations often attract visitors eager to see the real-life settings. If Bollywood films in Chile, the country could receive a significant influx of tourists from Asia , a market with high purchasing power and a growing interest in Latin America.
Regions like San Pedro de Atacama, Torres del Paine, or Valparaíso could become international tourist icons, just as happened with New Zealand after The Lord of the Rings .
The Ministry of Economy and CORFO are already studying incentives for foreign film shoots, following the model of countries like Mexico or Spain, which have successfully taken advantage of this synergy between film and tourism.
Cultural and logistical challenges for Chile
Cultural differences and narrative codes
Bollywood is known for its colorful productions, elaborate choreography, and plots laden with symbolism. Chile, on the other hand, possesses a more realistic and introspective cinematic identity.
The challenge will be finding common ground in culture and aesthetics that respect the authenticity of both worlds. Chilean screenwriters and directors could contribute local sensibility, while Indians will bring their experience in commercial storytelling and music.
Infrastructure and production costs
While Chile boasts modern infrastructure in Santiago and Valparaíso, logistical limitations persist in remote areas. The lack of large studios and specialized equipment could increase costs for foreign production companies.
However, initiatives such as the Chile Film Commission and regional incentives seek to position the country as a competitive destination against Argentina or Colombia, where Bollywood has already carried out partial filming.
Chile's natural appeal to Bollywood
Chile offers a mosaic of landscapes within a single country: deserts, glaciers, rainforests, lakes, volcanoes, and modern urban architecture. This geographical diversity allows for the simulation of locations from other countries without the need for extensive travel.
Among the landscapes most valued by Indian scouts are:
Atacama Desert: ideal for action scenes or romantic sequences in arid landscapes.
Santiago and Valparaíso: contemporary urban settings that adapt to modern narratives.
Southern lakes and Torres del Paine: perfect for adventure and nature scenes.
This option allows Bollywood to film entire movies in Chile with reduced transportation and logistics costs, as well as benefiting from the country's security and political stability .
Expected economic and cultural impact
The arrival of Indian production companies will not only generate direct employment. It can also boost sectors such as hospitality, transportation, gastronomy, and technical services , creating a multiplier effect on the local economy.
On the other hand, the cultural exchange between Chile and India will allow Chilean identity to be shared with millions of international viewers. Productions could incorporate elements of Mapuche culture, Chilean cuisine, or Andean music, strengthening the recognition of Chilean heritage.
The impact also extends to education. Chilean universities with film and audiovisual communication programs could sign agreements with Indian institutions for exchange programs, workshops, and technical training.
Outlook for the coming years
The year 2025 could mark the beginning of sustained collaboration between the two countries. Talks between the Chilean and Indian governments already include proposals for film co-productions and cultural cooperation agreements , with incentives for international film shoots.
If these alliances prosper, Chile could become a film hub in the Southern Cone , attracting not only Bollywood but also other industries such as Tollywood and Kollywood, which produce thousands of films annually.
The key will be to maintain a balance between openness to the international market and the protection of Chilean audiovisual talent and identity .
How to take advantage of this opportunity through tourism and culture
Municipalities and regions hosting film shoots could develop themed tourist routes , cultural fairs, and Indian film festivals, promoting a direct link between visitors and local communities.
Likewise, embassies and cultural centers could promote artistic and gastronomic exchanges , such as Indian film weeks or Bollywood dance performances in Chilean cities.
At CalendarioChile.com/blog you can find more articles about culture, tourism and historical events that complement this theme, such as the growth of sustainable tourism and regional cultural celebrations.