San Francisco Documentary Festival 2023

La Clave - A Mystery of Musica Cubana + Q&A

Expired June 12, 2023 6:59 AM
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In Cuba, influences from Africa and Europe merge to create a unique colorful culture. Its wildly pulsating heart is the music and dance scene, which extends far beyond Latin jazz, Buena Vista Social Club and salsa. Havana in particular, is a bubbling cauldron of musical, rhythmic creativity with hypnotic sounds of clave, drums, traditional songs and popular hits. The Caribbean island lives music!


Important musicians for example music legend Bobby Carcassés, the ex-members of the band Irakere, Cesar Lopez, Enrique Pla, Alain Perez but also experts like the musicologist Dr. Olavo Alén decode the origins of Cuban music, give stirring insights into its richness and the way of dealing with the new generation.


In probably no other country does musical education play such an important role as it does here! Music schools are not only numerous, but also free of charge and inspire the children from an early age for singing, various instruments, dances, rumba, conga and bolero.


A joy of life that is contagious! "La Clave - A Mistery Of Musica Cubana" is a passionate documentary about the musical soul of a country where African and European roots unite. Light-hearted jam sessions à la "Buena Vista Social Club", jazz legend Bobby Carcassés, drummer Yissy García or musicians of the band "Irakere" let us dive into the mythical history of Cuba's music and dance scene. An inspiring look at the diversity of the Caribbean island, where even children learn the traditional dances and instruments in unique music schools. “

  • Runtime
    86 minutes
  • Country
    Germany, Cuba
  • Director
    Kurt Hartel