Salsa Lives
The rhythms, passion, and energy of Salsa do not recognize borders. Born in the vibrant streets of New York, it conquered and reigned in Cali. Featuring Salsa legends like Rubén Blades and Henry Fiol, this illuminating journey shows how entire generations have celebrated their common identity through music and dance.
Lovers of Latin music of a variety of genres will want to attend the May 23 screening for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Edmonds Center for the Arts' "Selena Experience." And if you live for salsa, shimmy on down to the May 24 screening for some live salsa dancing and instruction by Club Sur in the 30 minutes before the film starts.
Sponsored by:
The rhythms, passion, and energy of Salsa do not recognize borders. Born in the vibrant streets of New York, it conquered and reigned in Cali when it began to "disappear" in the Big Apple in the ’80s, where hundreds of Latinos once filled and thrived in the dance halls. Featuring Salsa legends like singers Rubén Blades and Henry Fiol, percussionists Samuel Formell, Johnny "Dandy" Rodríguez (who played for years with Tito Puente's orchestra), and orchestra conductor Willie Rosario, who is now 100 years old, Salsa Lives captures the spirit, relevance, and legacy of this music with previously unseen archival footage, live recordings, and scenes from everyday life in the city. With a rigorous selection of iconic and key representatives of the genre, Colombian director Juan Carvajal’s debut film also explores the vital African and Caribbean roots of the genre and the historical connection between Salsa and the Afro-descendant communities of Colombia and New York. This illuminating journey through the evolution of Salsa demonstrates how entire generations have shared their stories and emotions, and have celebrated their common identity through music and dance, dazzling people from all over the world.
- Original Language Title: La Salsa Vive
- Director: Juan Carvajal
- Principal Cast: Rubén Blades, Henry Fiol, Willie Rosario, Angel Lebron, Johnny Rodriguez
- Country: Colombia
- Year: 2025
- Running Time: 101 min.
- Producer: Diego Ramirez, Kevin Lopez, Juan Carvajal
- Screenplay: Juan Carvajal
- Cinematographers: Mauricio Vidal
- Editors: Maria C. Garcia
- Music: Felipe Bravo
- Filmography: Debut Feature Film
- Language: Spanish
- Has Subtitles: Yes
- Format: DCP
- International Sales: Cineplex