The film follows a group of diverse Cuban musicians who are interviewed about what music means to them. The viewer sees where these folks are from, how they got started in music and why they've dedicated their lives to a business that pays very little, is disruptive to a steady home life, and is so much darn fun to listen to.
As a short documentary, the structure is in interview format, cutting in musical performances as a backdrop of Cuban culture. The subject is narrowly focused on musicians in Cuba, so there are no dramatic ups and downs in the storyline, but the range of beliefs about the life and value of music is a powerful message. I danced in my seat as I viewed this gem. This film is best suited for viewers who can read subtitles since the dialogue is all in Spanish. And, the vocabulary is from the heart of the musicians, so even if you cannot read, you can listen and watch them perform, making it appropriate for any age. The director, thirteen-year-old, Oriah Barsimantov, interviews musicians Jose Orlando García Zúñiga, Luis, Jorge, Carlos Francisco Díaz Acosta, Yasiel Marín Mendoza, Yasmin and Yasling Castro Rodríguez, Yoan Cardenas del Valle, Julio César, Jessica Hernandez and Lazaro Erick Diaz Pozo. This is an up-close and personal experience, because these musicians have different looks, styles and are from different parts of the island. The interviewees wear their regular attire, whether they are on the street or in a club, just like real-deal musicians in Cuba.
The film's title, Music is Life, says it all. Viewers are reminded to let the flow of music fill their hearts and souls, because life can be hard - it is hard, so enjoy yourself. I had to check my judgment and opinions at the door, because these people are mostly out of my cultural norm. Music is Life reminds us that not everyone is put on this planet to work 9 to 5 job with the goal of making money. I appreciate Oriah's spiritual perspective.
I give Music is Life 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
The film follows a group of diverse Cuban musicians who are interviewed about what music means to them. The viewer sees where these folks are from, how they got started in music and why they've dedicated their lives to a business that pays very little, is disruptive to a steady home life, and is so much darn fun to listen to.
As a short documentary, the structure is in interview format, cutting in musical performances as a backdrop of Cuban culture. The subject is narrowly focused on musicians in Cuba, so there are no dramatic ups and downs in the storyline, but the range of beliefs about the life and value of music is a powerful message. I danced in my seat as I viewed this gem. This film is best suited for viewers who can read subtitles since the dialogue is all in Spanish. And, the vocabulary is from the heart of the musicians, so even if you cannot read, you can listen and watch them perform, making it appropriate for any age. The director, thirteen-year-old, Oriah Barsimantov, interviews musicians Jose Orlando García Zúñiga, Luis, Jorge, Carlos Francisco Díaz Acosta, Yasiel Marín Mendoza, Yasmin and Yasling Castro Rodríguez, Yoan Cardenas del Valle, Julio César, Jessica Hernandez and Lazaro Erick Diaz Pozo. This is an up-close and personal experience, because these musicians have different looks, styles and are from different parts of the island. The interviewees wear their regular attire, whether they are on the street or in a club, just like real-deal musicians in Cuba.
The film's title, Music is Life, says it all. Viewers are reminded to let the flow of music fill their hearts and souls, because life can be hard - it is hard, so enjoy yourself. I had to check my judgment and opinions at the door, because these people are mostly out of my cultural norm. Music is Life reminds us that not everyone is put on this planet to work 9 to 5 job with the goal of making money. I appreciate Oriah's spiritual perspective.
I give Music is Life 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
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