Presented by the Chan Centre in partnership with The Cinematheque

Length: 105 min.

Director: Fernando Trueba

Year: 2000

“A landmark musical tribute” (Rolling Stone) and “As much a thrill to watch as it is to listen to.” (Peter Howell, Toronto Star)

Vibrant, loving, and music-filled, this documentary from Spanish director Fernando Trueba captures performances from some of the greatest Latin jazz artists of our time, including Tito Puente, Chucho Valdés, and more. Enraptured viewers have compared Trueba’s wonderful film to two other glorious music documentaries, Buena Vista Social Club (screened in our Chan Centre Connects series earlier this year) and The Last Waltz. Whether it’s created in hot backstreet clubs or recording studios from Miami to Havana, the Bronx to Andalusia, the pulsating sounds of Latin jazz capture the heart and soul of an entire culture.

Calle 54 features Latin legends in a series of extraordinary performances; their immense musical talents weave an innovative tapestry of sound, style, and rhythm that becomes a passionate celebration of life.

The Chucho Valdés Quartet will perform at the Chan Centre on Friday, November 2nd at 8:00pm.