DOCUMENTARIES

 

LAZARO AND THE SHARK: Cuba under the surface, is a stunning documentary that brings us behind-the-scenes of the infamous Conga Competitions in Carnival of Santiago de Cuba - the poorest Carnival in the world. Lázaro, the leader of the Conga de Los Hoyos, is determined to win the coveted award bestowed to the neighborhood that presents the most spectacular conga. Like leaders of rival congas, Lazaro must join with his neighbors and scour the strictly rationed marketplace to find the necessary materials to create a showstopping performance. Director William Sabourin O'Reilly, an Afrocuban native to Havana, offers a rare window into communist Cuba, a country that is often romanticized, and almost always portrayed through the eyes of an outsider.

Sabourin seamlessly weaves wrenching moments of senseless police violence with intimate scenes of distant lovers aching to reunite. As the competition approaches, we see much more than Lazaro’s desire to win a local honor. We are immersed in the question that lies in the center of the fight for the future of Cuba: to continue to live in the legacy of a revolution that has left its people in a constant struggle of poverty, or embrace a more dangerous, vital vision of living in freedom?

 
 

HOPE TO TOLD YA

A neighborhood ravaged by drugs and crime is thrown on its heels when a local artist purchases one half of a block with the vision to develop it into a haven of arts and cultural activity. Initially met by residents with skepticism he slowly gains their trust, respect and ultimately their active involvement in transforming their surroundings from one of despair and fear into one of hope.

CODIGO COLOR, MEMORIAS

explores the complex issue of racism through the memories of the picturesque city of Santiago de Cuba.

MUSIC VIDEOS

“Back Home” is one of Rachel Therrien's compositions inspired by the unique feel of New York’s Latin Jazz tradition. It captures the essence of this music, which originated in New Orleans as part of the broader jazz tradition and evolved into many distinct sonic genres, including the sound shaped by pioneers like Dizzy Gillespie, Mario Bauzá, and Chico O’Farrill. This composition embodies the vibrant, Newyorican spirit of Latin Jazz—its rhythms, harmonies, and cultural roots—while reflecting its journey through time and geography, from its origins in New Orleans to its reimagining in New York, and now finding resonance in Montreal.

“Back Home” represents a return to the heart of this music while celebrating its ongoing evolution.

BACKHOME Composed by Rachel Therrien Music by: Rachel Therrien - Trumpet Nestor Rodriguez - Saxophone Lazaro Martinez - Congas Arturo Zegarra - Bongos Willy Sotto Barreto - Piano Michel Medrano Brindis - Drums Luis Izquierdo - Bass Sylvaine Arnaud -

Recording Engineer Phil Marvy - Assistant Recording Engineer RoseRoom -

Recording Studio Sylvaine Arnaud -

Mixing Engineer Ryan Morey -

Mastering Yves Archambault -

Cover Art & Design LulaWorld Recordings -

Label On-screen Talent: Yazmin Bower - Pianist + Dancer Yusa - Bass Player Jafet Perez - Drummer Yordanis Periche - Dancer Erika Dietz - Dancer David Hardgrove - Flagman Rachel Therrien - Trumpet + Dancer

Video Production:

Antonia Zenaro - Producer / DP/ Camara 1

Catherine “Katche” Tcherassi - Director / DP/ Camara 2

Guy Spark - Aerial Video

David Hardgrove - P.A.

Diego Insignares - Editor Pargo Films - Colorist + Effects

Executive Producer: Rachel Therrien

Flag Art by Antonia Zennaro

Special Thanks to: The Divine Ladies - Second Line Parade Central City of New Orleans 05/17/2024 Nantchez Steamboat Steam Organ Player David Hargrove - 2brothers1love

Thanks to all the second liners, the energy spirit of this dancing and resisting city

written, produced and performed by Mia Carucci

guitar performed by Gianluca Carucci

mix/mastered by Jon Scores

directed by Celina Rodriguez

creative direction by Mia Carucci and Celina Rodriguez

production Antonia Zennaro and Savannah Claudia Levin

director of cinematography Catherine Tcherassi

edited by Andrew Theodore Balasia

digital shot by Catherine Tcherassi, Antonia Zennaro

Still Fotos by Antonia Zennaro

super 8 shot by Gabriela Garcia Steib

performers Mia Carucci , Mario Ayala, Savannah Claudia Levin, Aakhu Seshmi, Gabriela Maj

Louisiana liaison Savannah Claudia Levin

special thanks to Calvin, our swamp guide, protector and overall prince