Sin Mapa

I went to Calle 13's Sin Mapa premier presented by the New York Latino International Film Festival yesterday. Residente and Visitante made a surprise appearance to pose with fans and introduce the film and their intentions behind it. The film was really interesting and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the group, in reggaeton, or even in the effects of globalization in Latin America.

I liked Residentes' explanation behind the film, "As Puerto Ricans we are always looking to the North, to the States [in order to understand our culture]. We need to start looking to the South."

It is by no means a perfect film, and I do have some issues with it, but its still worth checking out.

It is available on iTunes and DVD for everyone who couldn't catch it in theaters.

Calle 13 Sin Mapa

Calle 13's new documentary Sin Mapa will be premiering during the New York International Latino Film Festival 2009 on July 29th @ 6:30pm.

From the NYILFF website:

Calle 13’s innovative fusion of urban music with pan-regional sounds from across Latin America has garnered a Grammy, Five Latin Grammy awards, and worldwide critical acclaim. In Sin Mapa, we join the socially outspoken duo on their journey “Without a Map” across South America for an exploration of indigenous music and culture.

Music Mondays

Ivy Queen's New Album Title
According to Blog de Reggaeton Ivy's new album will be called "Drama Queen." No word on when the album is set to drop.

Jowell & Randy Go Solo
I was damn near broken hearted when I was in Puerto Rico in January and Casa de Leones announced they would no longer record together. Now once again I'm a bit broken hearted that the next time I hear Jowell & Randy it'll be on separate albums. According to La Onda Tropical, the duo will work together in the future, but are going solo for a bit. Randy's new album will be called Romances de Nota.

Daddy Yankee's Film Talento de Barrio Premiering on Wednesday
As I said in an earlier post Talento de Barrio is premiering at the New York International Latino Film Festival on Wednesday. Here's a trailer to get you ready...




Kumbia Queers
How much do I love the Kumbia Queers! They performed in NYC last week as part of the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC). If you haven't heard them check out their MySpace page: MySpace.com-Kumbia Queers Here's their video for "Chica de Calendario"...




Chosen Few 3: The Movie
The album is actually one of the hottest reggaeton albums I've heard in a minute. Check out the video for Jowell & Randy f. LDA "Entonces Esta Bien"...



I haven't seen the actually movie yet, but here's a trailer to give you an idea...




Julieta Venegas y La Mala Rodriguez Juntas!!
So I love La Mala and I like Julieta Venegas, but this unplugged version of "Eres Para Mi" knocks it out the park. The song appears on Venegas' much hyped unplugged album, and it's well worth the $15.99 at the Virgin Megastore just for this song. Check out video from the unplugged performance...

New York International Latino Film Festival

It's here! I've been waiting all year for this moment! This year's festival has a lot of buzz and some white hot films debuting. One of the most talked about films of the festival is PCV-1 which was the big story at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. The 85-minute film was shot in real time with no edits. PCV-1 should definitely be technically interesting if not technically interesting, but I'm sure it will be considering its based on the true story of a FARC hostage forced to wear a bomb around her neck during a kidnapping. Daddy Yankee is also premiering his film Talento del Barrio at the Festival.

Here is a short list of some of the films I'm excited to see...





Big Pun: The Legacy
Thursday, July 24 | 09:30 PM
The Directors Guild Theater
110 West 57th Street (Between 6th & 7th Avenues)

Celia the Queen
Friday, July 25 | 07:00 PM
The Directors Guild Theater
110 West 57th Street (Between 6th & 7th Avenues)

NYILFF YOUTH SHOWCASE
Saturday, July 26 | 02:00 PM
Helen Mills
137-139 West 26th Street (Between 6th & 7th Avenues)

PVC – 1
Wednesday, July 23 | 08:00 PM
The Directors Guild Theater
110 West 57th Street (Between 6th & 7th Avenues)

Talento de Barrio/ Talent of the Barrio (Not Subtitled)
Wednesday, July 23 | 07:00 PM
The Directors Guild Theater
110 West 57th Street (Between 6th & 7th Avenues)

The Ministers
Saturday, July 26 | 07:00 PM
The Directors Guild Theater
110 West 57th Street (Between 6th & 7th Avenues)

All of Us
1. Saturday, July 26 | 02:00 PM
Fordham University: Lincoln Center
113 West 60th Street (Between 9th & 10th Avenues)
2. Thursday, July 24 | 03:30 PM
Clearview Cinemas
1871 Broadway (at 62nd Street)

Estilo Hip Hop/ Hip Hop Style
1. Friday, July 25 | 04:00 PM
Fordham University: Lincoln Center
113 West 60th Street (Between 9th & 10th Avenues)
2. Thursday, July 24 | 09:30 PM
Clearview Cinemas
1871 Broadway (at 62nd Street)

Luchando (Fighting) / El Primo (The Cousin)
1. Friday, July 25 | 08:00 PM
Helen Mills
137-139 West 26th Street (Between 6th & 7th Avenues)
2. Saturday, July 26 | 12:00 PM
Helen Mills
137-139 West 26th Street (Between 6th & 7th Avenues)


Here is a clip from PCV-1...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TvVovYcwSs

For more information on the Festival, Films, and Times please check out:
http://nylatinofilm.com/index.html