“Games Interrupted” premieres its second season, a denunciation of child trafficking

"Interrupted Games" is a series that hasn't been afraid to expose one of Mexico's most gruesome and gruesome realities: the theft of children through a complex and corrupt human trafficking network, which is then illegally put up for adoption. Seeking to expose how these child trafficking networks operate, the series, with its difficult but much-needed approach in a country with more than 100,000 missing persons , has carved out a prominent place in contemporary melodramas, showcasing this facet of Mexico's suffering, but which, even though we know it exists, we choose to ignore.

The second season of "Interrupted Games"—which premiered on May 2 —explores more complex plots in the stories of two mothers, each traversing her own struggles, each belonging to different social classes and worlds, but united by the loss of their children, kidnapped by this complex and powerful trafficking network, colluded with and supported by important institutions. Status and social class matter not; both women will see their children taken from them, although each, based on their own reality and possibilities, will cope differently.

It is then that the character of "Victoria" appears in the story—played by the fabulous Vanessa Bauche—a Mazatec woman with limited Spanish, who, although physically very strong, falters emotionally. When her son is taken from her, she will face the martyrdom of searching for him, given her condition as an indigenous woman who is discriminated against, minimized, and unseen. In conversation with EL INFORMADOR , the great actress Vanessa Bauche shared how this role was a turning point in her career, as it not only fulfilled everything she seeks as an actress, allowing her to embody narratives inclined toward social issues as a form of protest and awareness, but also because of all the preparation involved in giving life to a woman of indigenous roots whose life becomes a living hell when her son is taken away from her.

A character that shows many realities of Mexico

"There was a very risky issue with "Victoria," which was the issue of characterization, how to incorporate certain elements into the construction of the character so as not to be a caricature, so as not to be offensive to indigenous women, but on the contrary: I did this with all the love and respect I have for indigenous peoples and the "root" women who sustain the soul of our nation," shared the actress regarding the challenge and opportunity of giving life to a Mazatec woman. "Also, to the searching mothers, to the mothers who are victims of all that violence; there was a triple commitment. In this way, many of these causes raised in the series are supported, because it's not just the issue of child trafficking—which is no minor issue—but also addresses bullying, mental health, discrimination, and even narcissistic mothers; corruption, colluding institutions."

Melodramas have changed over time, delving into narratives that were previously little discussed. "Juegos Interruptados" didn't hesitate to show Mexicans what happens every day, with children kidnapped and offered as merchandise in illegal adoption networks. The training is becoming more open to denouncing and showing these realities, something Vanessa Bauche finds very fruitful as an actress, but also as a way to raise awareness through the audiovisual arts.

“I'm very grateful that this project came to me,” says the actress. “We're already talking about artistic expression to tell stories that generate awareness, so that the impact, when confronted with society, can generate change. So that's our responsibility as artistic creators. Beyond entertainment, my profession arose to generate impact and a positive change in consciousness for the common good, and I've been very clear about that since I began my career. I've been very selective with my projects. We have to understand that audiovisual media is a business; it's for entertainment, but it's very important that they embrace these types of projects and that they make our Indigenous women visible, as well as discrimination, mental health, domestic violence, and breaking the culture of silence, because it kills us.”

A character that changed his life

To play and bring to life "Victoria," Vanessa Bauche gave her all to the role. This is the first time Televisa Univisión has taken the risk of including an indigenous language, which in this case is Mazatec. The actress learned the language to give her character a much more real dimension, honor the indigenous women, and be able to truly embody a woman whose life is taken away when her son is taken away.

“It's the most demanding role I've ever played in my life. Mazatec is incredibly difficult. We worked with a Mazatec coach to be able to portray it with the greatest possible honesty and dignity without falling into caricature. "Victoria" goes far beyond what I can express in words because of all the layers the character has, because there's the layer of gender violence, racism, discrimination, precariousness, and the issue of her native language. "Victoria's" circumstances have nothing to do with me, but they do have to do with many of my social causes, so of course she's been one of the most important roles in my life. She has all that spirituality, beauty, and poetry of the language. I feel very honored and very grateful.”

The second season of "Interrupted Games" is now available on the ViX platform. It's a powerful, uncomfortable, yet immensely courageous story that denounces and isn't afraid to highlight this reality, one of the many faces of Mexico, of our country, of this place where we live, and where child abductions occur daily. "Interrupted Games" is a necessary story, now more than ever, that will leave viewers speechless.

“I invite you with all my heart, and with 1000% guarantee, to the positive, exciting, and endearing experience of watching the second season of "Games Interrupted." There are projects that entertain, that amuse, and there are projects that leave deep marks on the soul. And if we allow it as an audience, they can also transform us and make us better people, better brothers, sons, fathers, mothers: better as a community, as citizens. "Games Interrupted" is an invitation to that, so don't miss it,” the actress concluded.

MF