The Latin Explosion: A New America (2015)

The Latin Explosion: A New America Poster

With more than 50 million Latinos now living in the United States, Latinos are taking their seat at the table as the new American power brokers in the world of entertainment, business, politics and the arts. As Latinos’ influence in American society has soared, they have entered mainstream American culture, and the proof is in the music. Executive produced by legendary music mogul Tommy Mottola, THE LATIN EXPLOSION: A NEW AMERICA features a dazzling array of artists at the center of Latino cultural power and influence, including Marc Anthony, Emilio Estefan Jr., Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, Eva Longoria, George Lopez, Jennifer Lopez, Los Lobos, Cheech Marin, Ricky Martin, Rita Moreno, Pitbull, Romeo Santos, Shakira, Thalía and Sofía Vergara. Narrated by John Leguizamo.

Summary
"The Latin Explosion: A New America" is a 2015 American documentary that charts the increase and evolution of Latin American music in the United States. Directed by Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neill and narrated by John Leguizamo, the film premiered on HBO.

Rise of Latin Music
The movie begins by outlining the initial developments of Latin American music in the late 1940s and 1950s, thanks to artists like Desi Arnaz. It then speeds up through time, discussing the classic Latin pop acts of the 1960s and 1970s, such as Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine, and the crossover success of Carlos Santana. The documentary highlights how these early contributions led the way for Latin music to put in more significant impact on the broader American music market from the 1990s onwards.

Mainstream Success
"The Latin Explosion: A New America" also looks into the glamorous breakout of Latin stars in Hollywood during the '90s. Icons like Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony brought Latin culture into mainstream popular culture, breaking records and biases all at once. Enrique Iglesias and Shakira's effects overflow into the new Millennium, continuing Latin music's infusion into American popular culture. The movie showcases the shift Latin music made from being categorised as a "minority interest" to ending up being a significant player in the mainstream music market.

Integration in American Society
The documentary underscores how Latin music has actually played a substantial role in the integration of Latinos in America and has actually helped make their culture a main aspect of the American identity. Through interviews with ethnically diverse super stars like Pitbull, Ricky Martin, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, the movie highlights the Latin community's influence on American music, politics, and popular culture. Viewers are offered a glimpse into the experiences and struggles of these artists in developing Latin music in America.

Conclusion and Legacy
"The Latin Explosion: A New America" concludes with a vibrant proclamation of the powerful influence Latino artists hold today. It signifies the Latin community's effect on today's pop music landscape, with artists like Romeo Santos and Prince Royce continuing to drive the genre forward. This film is insightful for anyone thinking about understanding how much the U.S. has been shaped by Latin culture and music and stands as an event of the continuous Latin explosion in a 'brand-new' America.

Insights from the Film
From the movie, viewers get a deeper understanding of the legacy of Latin music in America. The art type transcends home entertainment into socio-cultural realms, serving as a representative for change, breaking down racial and musical barriers, and withstanding as a powerful social and political force. The film effectively showcases the increase, confrontation, and acceptance of Latin Americans and their music in U.S. society while likewise demonstrating how these cultural evolutions have actually contributed to a 'brand-new' America that's more culturally varied and enriched by the impacts of Latin music and culture.

Top Cast

  • John Leguizamo (small)
    John Leguizamo
    Himself - Narrator
  • Sofía Vergara (small)
    Sofía Vergara
    Herself
  • Gloria Estefan (small)
    Gloria Estefan
    Herself
  • Cheech Marin (small)
    Cheech Marin
    Himself
  • Shakira (small)
    Shakira
    Herself
  • Eva Longoria (small)
    Eva Longoria
    Herself
  • Marc Anthony (small)
    Marc Anthony
    Himself
  • Jennifer Lopez (small)
    Jennifer Lopez
    Herself
  • José Feliciano (small)
    José Feliciano
    Himself
  • Ricky Martin (small)
    Ricky Martin
    Himself
  • Thalía (small)
    Thalía
    Herself