About this Event
La Salsa Vive
Juan Carvajal / Colombia / 2025 / 101 min
Spanish with English subtitles
The rhythms, passion, and energy of salsa do not recognize borders. Born in the vibrant streets of New York, the dance later conquered and reigned in Cali, Colombia. 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, La Salsa Vive is an illuminating journey through the evolution of salsa, and demonstrates how entire generations have shared their stories, their emotions, and celebrated their common identity through music and dance, dazzling people all over the world.
Juan Carvajal is an acclaimed Colombian-American filmmaker and curator who has dedicated his career to bridging the cultural gap between Latin American cinema and global audiences. After establishing himself as a premier film programmer, Carvajal transitioned to directing with his debut feature documentary, La Salsa Vive (2025), which traces the rhythmic heritage connecting New York City to Cali, Colombia. The film garnered critical acclaim on the festival circuit, including a world premiere at SXSW and winning Best Documentary at the Macondo Awards. His work is characterized by a deep commitment to musical history and the preservation of the Afro-Latino diaspora’s cultural identity.
This screening is part of the Spanish Film Club Series, a collaboration between IberoDocs and Edinburgh Council that was made possible with the support of Pragda, SPAIN arts & culture, and the Secretary of State for Culture of Spain.
https://iberodocs.org/programme-2026/spanish-film-club/
Event venue & nearby stays
Mcdonald Road Library, 2 Mcdonald Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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