Many Netflix viewers were shocked by Society of the Snow, but where was it filmed? Here’s what you need to know. Based on the 2008 book La Sociedad de la Nieve, written by a classmate of the victims, the film follows the real-life events of the fatal crash of Flight 571 in 1972.
The plane, carrying 45 passengers, crashed into the Andes Mountains, leaving 33 survivors to fend for themselves in the wilderness. Now available on Netflix, here is everything you need to know about the filming locations and process of Society of the Snow.
Where was Society of the Snow filmed?
Below you’ll find a full list of filming locations used in the making of Society of the Snow – including the real-life crash site.
You can catch the full trailer for the movie below:
Sierra Nevada, Spain
Netflix
The filming and principal photography for the Netflix production took place in Sierra Nevada, Spain, from January 10 to April 29, 2022. This picturesque location served as the primary filming site, accurately portraying the crash site of the Andes Mountains.
Director J.A. Bayona and his team constructed a stage 2000m up in the mountains to film additional storm and interior scenes, according to ibc. In an interview with Screen Daily, Bayona described the challenges of shooting in the mountains, saying, "It was hard... It is very impressive to see the size of those mountains, but they are very difficult to shoot. They trick your eye... Sometimes you need to twitch the camera a little bit in order to give the impression of the steepness."
Montevideo, Uruguay
Netflix
The airport, rugby scenes, and other extra footage were filmed in Montevideo, Uruguay, including scenes with the crash victims' families. Filming in Uruguay wrapped up in late July 2022, before production moved to Madrid.
Andes Mountains, Argentina and Chile
Netflix
The team captured secondary footage from the Andes Mountains instead of filming scenes at the real-life crash site, which was then blended into Society of the Snow. La Vanguardia reported that the aerial footage was taken back in 2021 and later projected 360 inside the sets built in Spain.
Bayona spoke to Vanity Fair about the filming process, stating that they planned to approach the story almost like a documentary. The actors were thoroughly prepared and given all necessary information, with the script rehearsed for nearly two months. They extensively researched the story by reading the book and reaching out to survivors and families of victims. A significant amount of time was spent in the mountains, with 72 days dedicated to shooting and a total of 140 days spent on the project. The team prioritized capturing the important moments as if they were filming a documentary, allowing the actors the freedom to truly embody their characters.
Society of the Snow is on Netflix now. Check out our other coverage below:
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of the Netflix series "Society of the Snow," I am thoroughly impressed by the stunning filming locations chosen to bring this gripping story to life. The majestic Sierra Nevada in Spain, the vibrant city of Montevideo in Uruguay, and the breathtaking Andes Mountains spanning Argentina and Chile serve as the perfect backdrop for this thrilling show. The filmmakers have truly captured the essence of the real-life events that unfolded in 1972, when Flight 571 crashed into the Andes Mountains, leaving 33 survivors to fight for their lives in the wilderness.
The attention to detail in recreating the crash site and the harsh conditions the survivors faced is truly remarkable. The cast and crew went to great lengths to ensure authenticity, spending a significant amount of time in the mountains and meticulously researching the story. The result is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful series that pays tribute to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. I highly recommend "Society of the Snow" to anyone who appreciates gripping storytelling and breathtaking cinematography.