Documentary to be released focusing on Kandyman's life

The upcoming release of the documentary En la Caliente: Tales of a Reggaeton Warrior marks a significant event in the film calendar of all those interested in Cuban music and culture. Directed by Fabien Pisani, the material is the summary of a decade of work, and in its 85 minutes condenses a story that delves into the origins of Cuban reggaeton, in the early 2000s, to its current position as a global phenomenon. 

The documentary will be presented at the Miami International Film Festival 2024, in the section Spotlight on Cuba. It has premieres scheduled for April 6 and 7, at the IFF Panama; and on April 9, at the Miami Film Festival. Finally, there will be a special screening on April 11 at the Garden Miami Art Gallery, which will include a concert by Candyman in the Hialeah Art District. 

Through the story of Kandyman, a key player in this musical movement, In the Caliente offers an intimate look into the lives of those who have been instrumental in the development of the genre in Cuba. Also explores the cultural evolution from the 1990s, a time of significant changes following the collapse of the socialist camp, and highlights how reggaeton became a tool of expression and resistance for Cuban youth, offering a creative alternative to the censorship and limitations imposed by the state and the difficult socioeconomic situation.

This documentary promises to be a valuable addition to the dialogue on music as a form of social expression, and its premiere is awaited by audiences both inside and outside Cuba. Its screening at renowned festivals and the discussion it is expected to generate afterwards, are evidence of its potential impact on the understanding of the cultural phenomenon that was reggaeton on the island.