Ep#43 | Juan Carvajal on La Salsa Vive, Salsa History and Music as a Pathway Out

In this episode of the Amiga Mía Talk Show, Colombian filmmaker Juan Carvajal shares the story behind La Salsa Vive, the documentary he spent almost eight years bringing to the screen.Born in Cali, Colombia, Juan travelled through Cuba, Puerto Rico, New York and Colombia to document the people, sounds and communities that shaped salsa into a global cultural force.The conversation explores how salsa has created belonging, opportunity and hope for young people living through poverty, violence and limited opportunities. In many communities, dance and music have offered another path forward and, in some cases, helped save lives.Juan also speaks about interviewing salsa icons including Rubén Blades and Willie Rosario, taking the film on a year long international tour and watching audiences across the world connect with its message.This conversation covers:• The roots of salsa across the Caribbean, New York and Colombia• Salsa as a source of identity, resilience and community• The eight year journey behind La Salsa Vive• Juan’s encounters with some of salsa’s most influential figures• How salsa continues to connect communities across generations and bordersJuan Carvajal is a filmmaker from Cali, Colombia, and the director of La Salsa Vive. His work celebrates the artists, histories and communities that continue to carry salsa around the world.Subscribe to Amiga Mía for Latin and Hispanic culture, entertainment and stories from Australia to the world or checkout the website www.amigamia.com.au.