Spain

Synopsis

CALLE 54 is Fernando Trueba's tribute to Latin jazz. A musical journey that captures the heart and soul of a whole culture. From hot backstreet clubs and recording studios. From Miami to Havana, the Bronx to Andalusia. A series of performances that reveal how these great Latino heroes use their extraordinary musical talent as a vehicle for storytelling, protest, sexuality and, above all, the celebration of life. An innovative tapestry of sound and imagery, styles and rhythms — from samba to cumbia to flamenco. Among the artists featured in CALLE 54: the late Tito Puente, "godfather of Latino music"; cutting edge Nuyorican Jerry Gonzales; Spaniard Chano Dominguez and his flamenco-inspired jazz; barefoot Brazilian pianist Eliane Elias; Chico O'Farill, major architect of the Afro-Cuban movement; Argentinian tenor sax great Gato Barbieri; Paquito D'Rivera, heir to Dizzy Gillespie's orchestra; freewheeling Dominican Republic Latin jazz master Michel Camilo, Cuban pianist Chucho Valdes and his pianist father Bebo Valdes ... Trueba's filmmaking is as innovative as it is pure. Assemble a set of 12 musical moments shot in a New York recording studio. Move cameras freely in rhythm with the music, letting each instrument make its own statement. Blend colors with various beats and styles. Let every note proudly show off its meaning. CALLE 54 invites everyone to experience the passion of Latin jazz.
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Cast & Crew

Directed by: Fernando Trueba

Produced by: Cristina Huete, Fabienne Servan Schreiber

Cinematography: Jose Luis López-Linares

Editing: Carmen Frías

Nominations and Awards

  • European Documentary 2000