Netflix’s I’m Not Afraid (No tengo miedo) is an upcoming drama thriller series directed by Ernesto Contreras, Alba Gil, and Alex Zuno. The series is based on Niccolò Ammaniti’s bestselling 2001 Italian novel Io non ho paura. It stars Mayra Hermosillo, Luis Alberti, Humberto Busto, Fernando Bonilla, and Fátima Molina, along with Yoshira Escárrega, Fernando Cuautle, Guillermo Nava, and Leidi Gutiérrez.
The story moves the original novel from Italy to rural Mexico, creating a fresh setting while keeping its emotional mystery and suspense. Here’s everything you need to know about the filming locations and behind-the-scenes details of I’m Not Afraid.
Set during the summer of 1986 in rural Veracruz, Mexico, the series follows Miguel, a 10-year-old boy whose quiet life changes forever after he discovers another child named Felipe locked inside a hidden hole near his village. As Miguel secretly befriends the kidnapped boy, he uncovers shocking family secrets that reveal the frightening truth behind the crime.
I’m Not Afraid (No tengo miedo) is set to be released on July 8, 2026 via Netflix.
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When and Where Was Netflix’s I’m Not Afraid Filmed?
| Film Name | I’m Not Afraid (No tengo miedo) |
|---|---|
| Genres | Drama, Thriller |
| Filming Locations | Emiliano Zapata, Veracruz, Mexico; Teocelo, Veracruz, Mexico |
| Filming Dates | Early June 2025 – Approximately 15 Weeks |
| Cinematography by | César Gutiérrez Miranda |
| Release Date | July 8, 2026 |
Filming for I’m Not Afraid took place almost entirely in the Mexican state of Veracruz. Production began in early June 2025 and continued for approximately 15 weeks. The crew filmed across peaceful villages, forests, farmland, and mountain landscapes to recreate the isolated setting where the story unfolds.
📍Emiliano Zapata, Veracruz, Mexico
Emiliano Zapata served as the primary filming location for the series. Production officially began here in early June 2025, with many of the village scenes filmed throughout the municipality. The area’s open farmland, country roads, rolling hills, and peaceful surroundings became the perfect backdrop for Miguel’s rural hometown. The quiet landscape creates a strong contrast with the dark mystery hidden beneath the surface, making every discovery feel even more unsettling. Located just outside Xalapa, Emiliano Zapata provided filmmakers with authentic rural scenery that closely matched the story’s emotional tone.
📍Teocelo, Veracruz, Mexico
The beautiful mountain town of Teocelo became another major filming location for the Netflix series. Known for its forests, rivers, coffee plantations, waterfalls, and winding country trails, Teocelo provided the natural environment for many of the children’s outdoor adventures. The area’s lush greenery and secluded paths closely resemble the atmosphere described in the original novel. These landscapes helped build suspense as Miguel slowly uncovers the terrifying secret hidden within his community. Teocelo’s scenic countryside has become an increasingly popular destination for Mexican film and television productions because of its untouched natural beauty.
Why Veracruz Was Chosen
Director Ernesto Contreras has filmed several previous projects in Veracruz and knows the region well. Its combination of forests, mountains, agricultural fields, rivers, and traditional villages allowed the production team to recreate the isolated world needed for the story without relying on studio sets. The region’s authentic rural atmosphere helped preserve the emotional realism of the novel while adapting the story to Mexico.
Netflix also continues its commitment to showcasing Mexico’s diverse landscapes through locally produced original series, making Veracruz an ideal choice for this adaptation.
I’m Not Afraid Behind the Scenes
To make your search for I’m Not Afraid filming locations even more interesting, Netflix and members of the production team shared behind-the-scenes moments during filming in Veracruz.
One behind-the-scenes glimpse was shared on Instagram during production:
Another production update from filming in Teocelo was also shared here:
More behind-the-scenes photos and filming details are expected to become available after the series premieres. We will continue updating this guide as new filming locations are officially confirmed.
Is There Any Trailer Available for I’m Not Afraid?
Yes. Netflix released the official trailer for I’m Not Afraid on June 15, 2026, on its official Netflix YouTube channel.
You can watch it here:
The trailer for I’m Not Afraid was released on June 15, 2026, and the series is set to be released on July 8, 2026, via Netflix.
FAQs
Q1: Where was I’m Not Afraid filmed?
A1: I’m Not Afraid was filmed primarily in Veracruz, Mexico, with confirmed filming taking place in Emiliano Zapata and Teocelo. These rural locations provided the forests, villages, and countryside needed for the story.
Q2: What scenes were filmed in Emiliano Zapata for I’m Not Afraid?
A2: Many of the village scenes in I’m Not Afraid were filmed in Emiliano Zapata. The area’s farmland, rural roads, and peaceful countryside helped create the fictional village where Miguel spends his summer.
Q3: When did filming for I’m Not Afraid begin?
A3: Filming for I’m Not Afraid officially began in early June 2025 and continued for approximately 15 weeks before moving into post-production.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of I’m Not Afraid?
A4: Yes. Many filming locations featured in I’m Not Afraid, including Emiliano Zapata and Teocelo in Veracruz, are open to visitors. Travelers can explore the beautiful countryside, forests, and mountain scenery that appear throughout the Netflix series.
I’m Not Afraid brings Niccolò Ammaniti’s famous novel to life in a completely new setting by relocating the story to the beautiful landscapes of Veracruz, Mexico. From the peaceful farmland of Emiliano Zapata to the lush forests and mountain scenery of Teocelo, each filming location helps create the isolated and mysterious world that drives the series. With stunning natural scenery and a suspense-filled story, Netflix’s upcoming thriller is expected to become one of the platform’s most talked-about international releases of 2026.
As more official filming locations and behind-the-scenes details are revealed after the series premieres, this guide will be updated with the latest information.
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