By Mark Saldana
Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars)
This beautiful documentary short of the festival could easily get categorized as a music video. San Basilio del Palenque is a humble Colombian town, but a very musical one at that. The people have maintained a rich tradition of beats, rhythms and melodies for some time. As the people work hard to thrive and survive everyday, their tools sound the beats and rhythms and their voices sing out loud. Though life can be hard for the Afro-Colombian people of this town, their music and songs keep focused on their tasks at hand and make their lives a little happier.
Directed by Sebastián Pinzón Silva, Palenque is a wonderful tribute to the musically driven people of San Basilio del Palenque. The film serves as a testament to the power of music, singing and dancing and how it makes even the toughest or most mundane moments in people’s live more joyful and fulfillling. It is a film that had me smiling, feeling warm inside and tapping my feet. Lovers of Latin American music is sure to love and appreciate this culturally enriching short musical.