Transnational Telenovela Remakes: Challenging Dominant Models and Old-Fashioned Heroines

Abstract

This article begins by engaging with Mi pequeña traviesa and its leading actress, not only to illuminate the significance of this Mexican telenovela, but also to lead into an examination of the industry oppositions between Televisa and TV Azteca. These two Mexican media conglomerates, which have always been in direct contrast, are then placed in relation to Mexico’s and Brazil’s own telenovela productions and dominant models: Mexican sentimental telenovelas and Brazilian realist telenovelas. Binary distinctions and territorial homogenisation are problematised when considering the contracts that have emerged between Televisa and Brazil’s TV Globo, Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão, and Record. Finally, the discussion of the industry is followed by a comparative case study, through textual and narrative analyses, of the first episode of Mi pequeña traviesa and its Brazilian remake Pequena Travessa. The comparison of the two lead characters demonstrates that sentimental telenovelas have the potential to move beyond old-fashioned representations by assigning realist characteristics to their heroines. This article argues that this type of overarching comparative analysis will enhance our understanding of cultural nuances and regional differences as manifested through telenovela remakes: the more specific our knowledge, the broader the depth of our national understanding, which will increase our awareness of transnational (dis)connections.

Keywords:

• Mexico
• Brazil
• telenovela
• television
• remake
• female representation