Guaco: Semblanza

Patria y Vida: The Power of Music

March 2023 •Spanish

The film explores how “Patria Y Vida” became a rallying cry that Cubans shouted in the streets during unprecedented demonstrations on the island.

Nueva York: A Musical History of Latin New York

December 2021 •French

When the film West Side Story was released in 1961, New York's reviled Puerto Rican community gained some visibility and, over time, both in Spanish Harlem and the Bronx, neighborhoods plagued by poverty, drugs and crime, Hispanic identity was reborn and strengthened, thanks to a syncretic and intentionally popular music that eventually conquered the entire city.

Con Esperanza

April 2020 •English

When Ruben, a young Chicano musician, is caught between his mother’s expectations and his own hopes, he is forced to make a decision that will change his life forever. Based on true events, “Con Esperanza” follows Ruben on his journey of pursuing his dreams, balancing both the traditional and financial expectations of his Mother.

Sex, Maracas & Chihuahuas

May 2016 •Spanish

A joyful tale filled with music. The rise of radio. The jazz big bands. The legendary clubs and ballrooms. The soundtracks of the great musical films and TV shows. Sex and romance, gangsters, luxury cars and palm trees. From Barcelona to New York, with a stop in Cuba. The birth of Las Vegas. The sound of the maracas. Chihuahuas everywhere. The incredible life story of Xavier Cugat (1900-90).

Ballad of an Unsung Hero

September 1983 •English

Using rare historical footage, vintage musical recordings, and interviews with 88-year-old Pedro J. Gonzalez and his wife, this film chronicles Gonzalez’s long and colorful life, from his early days with Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution, to his career as a popular radio personality in Los Angeles in the 1930s, to the controversial court case that sent him to San Prison, a victim of the repressive forces operating against the Chicano/Mexicano community during that period.

Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa)

January 1972 •English

Leon Gast's musical documentary reveals New York City's Latin culture and features live performances of salsa greats The Fania All Stars and The Spanish Speaking People of New York. A document of urban American Hispanic culture, Gast's film captures the rhythms of New York's Spanish Harlem, from illegal cockfights and Santeria rituals to the rooftops and backstreets of El Barrio and the legendary musicians performing at the Cheetah club.

The Promise of Music

May 2008 •Spanish

Film featuring Simón Bolivar Orquesta Sinfónica, Gustavo Dudamel and Felix Mendoza

Two Beats One Soul

October 2018 •English

Husband and wife music producers Ray Chew and Vivian Scott Chew embark on an ambitious two week journey to Cuba to create a collaboration of sounds which originated from Afro-Caribbean roots that has evolved into what we now consider modern day Salsa music. Bringing together multiple artists from the U.S. and Cuba, the film shines a light on Cuban culture and takes the viewer through the creative process and challenges of producing an album while providing an auditory sensation that touches the soul. Featuring Eric Benét, Louie Vega and Sergio George-who has produced albums for Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and more. Audiences will walk away feeling the passion, positive energy, triumph and love that keeps this musical marriage strong.

10 Years of Indeleble

August 2021 •Spanish

This documentary tells the story behind "Indeleble", the album with which Los Mesoneros received four Latin Grammy nominations and toured many countries. "10 Años de Indeleble" features interviews, stories, and songs that had never seen the light of day, along with a live show in which Los Mesoneros perform, in order, the songs that were part of that first record.

La Casa del Ritmo: A Film About Los Amigos Invisibles

April 2012 •Spanish

A compelling story about Grammy-winning Venezuelan funksters Los Amigos Invisibles, from their early days playing in Caracas, Venezuela, to being discovered by David Byrne of Talking Heads and their rise to international stardom. The viewer experiences their story as it intertwines with a live performance filmed at the Highline Ballroom in New York City in March 2011. The band, with the same original 6 members, celebrates 20 years in 2011.

La propia gente

June 1981 •Spanish

This documentary is comprised of three shorts: 'El Afinque de Marín' that follows the musicians of the group Madera. 'Yo hablo a Caracas' about an indigenous leader and his reply to the authorities of the venezuelan goverment regarding the violations towards his people and finally 'Mayami Nuestro' chronicles the relationship of venezuelans during the eighties with the city of Miami.

Venezuela es un Desorden

December 2018 •Spanish

Through humor, anecdotes and their songs, mythical Venezuelan ska band Desorden Público tells their story and that of three decades of their country.

Grupo Revelação: Ao Vivo No Olimpo

October 2005 •Portuguese

ESE EME: The Unauthorized History

January 2010 •Spanish

An independent rockumentary that comprises first-hand testimonials about the history of Sentimiento Muerto, the most influential band in Venezuela, as well as the projects that came after its dissolution: Dermis Tatú and PAN.

We Like It Like That

March 2015 •English

Latin boogaloo is New York City. It is a product of the melting pot, a colorful expression of 1960s Latino soul, straight from the streets of El Barrio, the South Bronx and Brooklyn. Starring Latin boogaloo legends like Joe Bataan, Johnny Colon and Pete Rodriguez, We Like It Like That explores this lesser-known, but pivotal moment in Latin music history, through original interviews, music recordings, live performances, dancing and rare archival footage and images. From its origins to its recent resurgence in popularity, We Like It Like That tells the story of a sound that redefined a generation and was too funky to keep down.

Vamos Pal Matiné

May 2017 •Spanish

In its heyday, Changa Tuki, aka Raptor House, attracted thousands of young people to afternoon parties called "matinees", from those parties a controversial subculture grew, one that still echoes to this day. This is the story as told by its protagonists.

El rey del bandolín

January 1985 •Spanish

Cruz Quinal, "the mandolin king," lives near Cumana in a mountain valley surrounded by sugarcane fields. Perpetuating 16th century Spanish traditions of guitar-making, Cruz fashions such musical instruments as cuatros, marimba, escarpandola, and his own creation, a mandolin with two fretboards. He is an accomplished musician as well. In this moving portrait, Cruz compares himself to a decaying colonial church across the street: revered yet neglected, the village altar stands, paint peeling, under the open sky.

John Santos: San Francisco Foundation Community Leadership Awards 2011

Invalid date •English

The San Francisco Foundation Community Leadership Awards presents John Santos, musician and cultural activist, with the Helen Crocker Russell Award for making music that transcends cultural barriers and serves as a tool for social justice. As an educator, scholar, performer, and composer, he celebrates and promotes Latin music and understands that art has the power to inform and nurture.

Shapeless, Like Water

July 2018 •Spanish

A character study of Puerto Rican struggling rapper Negro Gonzalez, a portrait of his island, a beautiful land tarnished by US colonization and an ode to the unbreakable spirit of Puerto Rican artists.

Holy Camp!

September 2017 •Spanish

María and Susana, two rebellious teenagers, spend the summer in a catholic camp. While they are grounded during a weekend, the most unexpected arrival in the most unexpected way will change their feelings about life, love and freedom.