06/16/2024
The Simpsons did it again: in 1998, the animated series predicted a game very similar to FarmVille, long before it became famous. And that’s not all. In 1995, they showed virtual reality glasses that remind us of the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
Even in 1996, they anticipated a concert between Cypress Hill and a symphony orchestra, something that became a reality in 2024 when the band announced their performance with the London Symphony Orchestra.
Now, Following that tradition of accurate predictions, the series “Little Manhattan” made noise with its prediction about Atlético Bucaramanga, which won its first star in Colombian soccer this Saturday, June 15.
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The series, directed by Isabel Martínez and produced by Leidy Parra, with a script by Catalina Serranofeatures a talented local cast such as Daniela Leal, Brahyand Leal and Freiner Basto.
In the chapter “The Expected Star”, the plot focuses on a couple of fans who experience a decisive moment: Atlético Bucaramanga reaches the final and, just before the game, the wife goes into labor, putting the protagonist, Brian, at a crossroads.
Mario Mantilla, one of the creators of the series, explained to the newspaper Vanguardia: “Two years ago, we met with David Carlier, Catalina Serrano and Luis Fernando Orduz to create ‘Little Manhattan’, a project that won in the series category. ICT Ministry website”.
This episode reflects the fervor and hope of the city for the Bucaramanga championshipfueled by Professor Dudamel’s campaign.
The series not only narrates fiction, but also captures the dreams and aspirations of the community. When Atlético Bucaramanga moved on to the final home runs of the Colombian championship, this series generated a lot of expectation and excitement among the team’s followers, who hoped that the launch of the series would inspire Atlético Bucaramanga to achieve glory on the field. And so it was, the Santander soccer team won its first title.
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The scriptwriter speaks
In dialogue with EL COLOMBIANO, Catalina Serrano, scriptwriter of the series, comments that The idea arose as a way to channel the desire of the people of Santander to see their team crowned champion. “It was a dream that we all shared,” says Serrano. “We thought, What would happen if Bucaramanga reached the Colombian soccer final after 75 years? What if he won? “It was a way of doing catharsis, of manifesting our desires through fiction.”
The series, which was recorded in 2022 and premiered in 2023, was received with skepticism by the public, who laughed at Bucaramanga’s improbable victory. “When we showed that episode, people laughed, not out of mockery, but because they thought it was nice that we were dreaming big.”Serrano recalls.
However, laughter turned into amazement when, just two years later, the dream came true: Bucaramanga won its first star.
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This turn of events has given the series a new life. Serrano and his team have been negotiating with different entities to show “Little Manhattan” again in its entirety. “We want to show the series in full again. We are looking for cultural and academic scenes in Bucaramanga and the department”explains Serrano.
At the moment, the episode of “The Expected Star” is available on the Tiempo de Series YouTube channel, where it has accumulated more than 16,000 views.
“Little Manhattan” is not only a web series; is a love letter to Bucaramanga and proof of the power of fiction to reflect and sometimes even predict reality. “It is exciting to see how what started as a desire on the screen has become a real celebration for the entire city,” concludes Serrano.
This experience shows that, as technical director Dudamel said, Keeping faith intact can lead to fulfilling the most incredible dreams. The series will continue moving through different cultural spaces and festivals, sharing with the audience that magic that only fiction can provide.
Also read: Five Antioqueños, protagonists of Bucaramanga’s first title in the Betplay League
What is “Little Manhattan” about?
“Little Manhattan” is a web series set in Bucaramanganicknamed after an influencer compared it to Manhattan, New York.
It consists of eight chapters of ten minutes each, telling stories of daily life in the city. From blind dates and football-childbirth dilemmas to platonic love and spiritual quests, the series offers a rich mix of emotions.
The cast includes renowned actors such as Sandra Beltrán, Sergio Luna and Diego Mendieta. Created by Mario Mantilla, Luis Fernando Orduz, David Carlier and Catalina Serrano, the series shows emblematic places in Bucaramangacapturing the essence of life in this vibrant city.
In 2024, Atlético Bucaramanga, under the direction of coach Rafael Dudamel, is having an outstanding season, with its matches at the Alfonso López Stadium, now called Américo Montanini. The series seeks not only to entertain, but also to unite the community around its team, hoping that art imitates life and that Bucaramanga achieves the long-awaited championship.
That is how Atlético Bucaramanga made history in Colombian soccer by getting its first star after 75 years. In an exciting final against Santa Fe, the Leopardo team tied 3-3 after 90 minutes, but won the penalty shootout 6-51. The first leg, on June 8, had left the Leopards victorious with a goal from Freddy Hinestroza. With this victory, the Santander club also qualified for the 2025 Copa Libertadores.
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