SPA26 La Salsa Vive

SPA26 La Salsa Vive

SPA26 La Salsa Vive

AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE

Telling the story of two cities bound by the rhythm of salsa, New York City and Cali, Colombia, La Salsa Vive is a vibrant cinematic exploration of the evolution of the style and a collective passion that has inspired generations.

Following the roots of salsa in the neighbourhoods of NYC during the 1970s, the documentary explores its subsequent consolidation as a cultural symbol in Cali, Colombia, the self-proclaimed “world capital of salsa,” where it thrives with unmatched passion.

Through over five decades of stories, anecdotes and profound transformations, it shows how this genre, which lost strength in its city of origin and instead found a new life in Cali, where it continues to vibrate in dance schools, nightclubs, orchestras and popular neighborhoods.

Featuring insights from salsa legends like singers Rubén Blades and Henry Fiol, percussionists Samuel Formell, Johnny "Dandy" Rodríguez and orchestra conductor Willie Rosario, and highlighting the dedicated dancers, music collectors, and enthusiastic youth who are united through music and dance, La Salsa Vive is a pulsating journey of a vivid cultural history.

“Captures that joy and the sense of community this music has created from the beginning.” - AWFJ

OFFICIAL SELECTION – Palm Springs Film Festival 2026

OFFICIAL SELECTION - SXSW Film Festival 2025

OFFICIAL SELECTION - Vancouver International Film Festival 2025

Colombia, USA

Rating: CTC
Runtime: 101 mins

Spanish with English subtitles

Session Times

Eastend Cinemas
Fri, Jun 12:

Tue, Jun 16:

Tue, Jun 23:

Prospect Cinemas
Thu, Jun 11:

Fri, Jun 19:

Tue, Jun 30:

Festival Highlights