Mexican rock and pop band Zoé recently added their documentary to a number of films that capture the essence of Latin artists and music. From HBO’s The Latin Explosion: A New America to Hecho en México, check out these must-see documentaries con sabor latino.
The Latin Explosion: A New America (2015)
HBO’s documentary, created by Tommy Mottola, looks back at the cultural impact and contributions Latin artists and music have had in the U.S. The film features music stars such as Thalía, Ricky Martin, Shakira, José Feliciano, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Romeo Santos and Pitbull, among others.
Hecho en México (2012)
Director Duncan Bridgeman celebrates the impact Mexican music and artists have had across the globe. The film features renowned artists such as Café Tacvba, Carla Morrison, Natalia Lafourcade, Kinky, Chavela Vargas and Alejandro Fernández.
Narco Cultura (2013)
Set in Ciudad Juarez, this documentary follows narcorridos-singing band Buknas de Culiacán who, even though they sing about real-life drug cartel violence, have garnered a strong and loyal following. Narco Cultura is available on Netflix.
Seguir Siendo: Café Tacvba (2010)
Leading up to their 20th-anniversary tour, the story of Café Tacvba, one of the biggest Latin American bands, is featured in this documentary with footage from tours, memorable onstage performances and interviews with the band members.
Searching for Sugarman (2012)
This must-see Oscar-winning documentary tells the story of folk singer known as Sixto Rodríguez, a 1970s fok singer who became a music hero in South Africa and then mysteriously disappeared.
Buena Vista Social Club (1999)
The Oscar-nominated documentary follows Ry Cooder, singer and producer, who narrates his return to Cuba to do a second recording with Ibrahim Ferrer and the rest of Buena Vista Social Club musicians. The Wilm Wenders directed cinematic ode to Cuban music also follows the band members as they spread Latin American music to the world traveling to Amsterdam where they offer two concerts and New York for an emotional performance Carnegie Hall.
Gimme the Power (2012)
Mexican rock band Molotov premiered their own documentary that explores the rise of the “Frijolero” singers, plus a history lesson on rock music in Mexico.
Sin Mapa (2009)
Looking for inspiration for their next album, Calle 13 embarked on a journey through South America in 2009, which included a visit to where indigenous communities. They documented their travels on the documentary Sin Mapa.
?Latin Music USA (2009)
PBS released this documentary on the history of Latin music in the United States. From the salsa revolution to Chicano music, the film features artists like Fania Records, Carlos Santana, Selena and Ricky Martin.
?Panoramas (2016)
Mexican rock and pop band Zoé recently premiered their documentary Panoramas, a memoir that captures the group from 2012 to 2013 when frontman León Larregui decides to record his first solo album to the making of the album Programatón.