A cinematic portrait of community activist and seven-time Grammy nominee John Santos, a “keeper of the Afro-Caribbean flame.” In this illuminating documentary, Santos links the rhythms of his ancestors to contemporary struggles against urban gentrification, social inequality, and racial injustice. His fingers and palms on the skin of the conga peel back the legacy of colonialism while navigating the politics of culture and global migration. One of the world’s greatest champions of Afro- Latin music, Santos, through his mixed Puerto Rican and Cape Verdean heritage, musical storytelling in performance, and legendary percussion classes, strives to unite and expand his kaleidoscopic audience. Rich in unforgettable musical performances, this musical jewel captures Santos and a stellar cast of international jazz musicians, including Eddie Palmieri, Raul Rekow and Orestes Vilató of Santana, Omar Sosa, Rico Pabón, Ernesto Oviedo, and Jerry Medina.
AWARDS:
LOLA Award – Philadelphia Latino Film Festival -2022,
Audience Award – Mill Valley Film Festival – 2022