Latin American Hip-Hop

Inventos: Hip-Hop Cubano

Dir Eli-Jacobs Fantauzzi, 50 mins, Subtitles, Cert 12A

Cuban Hip-Hop provides a unique insight into the realities and politics of contemporary Cuba. Experience this as Inventos follows some of the pioneers of this musical movement to their homes, the stage and as they travel abroad for the first time. Inventos embodies the true spirit of Hip-Hop, which is to build something that is powerful and useful out of what is seemingly impossible. Just as Hip-Hop in the U.S. began as a form of creative self expression bringing awareness to oppressive social conditions, Cuban Hip-Hop demonstrates the innovative and indestructible spirit born from a people suppressed by the U.S. embargo on Cuba. The film shows how both cultures reflect similar social struggles and if brought together, can transcend cultural barriers and build a collective community dedicated to spreading messages of truth and empowerment globally.

Resistencia: Hip-Hop in Colombia

Dir Tom Feiling, 50 mins, Subtitles, Cert 12A

Resistencia offers a rare look at the Hip-Hop street subculture in civil war-torn Colombia, while at the same time exploring how traditional Latino music is being infiltrated by rap. Following a summer in the lives of some of Colombia's finest rappers, DJs and break-dancers, the film explores how young Colombians feel about the crisis afflicting their country and the impact it has on their lives. Caught between left wing guerillas and right wing paramilitaries, these youths turn to rap as a way to express their points of view on the realities forced upon them by long-running violence, cultural crisis and the global cocaine trade. Youthful and entertaining, but also angry and enlightening, Resistencia bears witness to how the Hip-Hop culture has a major impact far from the "bling bling" of the U.S. music industry. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the Director Tom Fielding.

This programme is being held in conjunction with the Hip Hop Association.