aluCine Celebrates 25 Years of Latin Film and Culture in Toronto

The aluCine Latin Film + Media Arts Festival marks its 25th anniversary with an opening gala on Thursday, October 16, in Toronto, dedicated to cinema, music, and Latin American cultural identity.

Under the theme “Cinema, Salsa and Sazón,” this year’s festival reaffirms its mission to promote Latin American film and media art, while highlighting the diversity of stories and perspectives that have defined its 25-year history.

Opening Night: La Salsa Vive

The evening will begin with the Toronto premiere of the documentary La Salsa Vive (Colombia/USA, 2025, 101 min), directed by Juan Carvajal, at the Hot Docs Cinema. The screening will be followed by a reception and a salsa celebration at Lula Lounge.

La Salsa Vive explores the cultural and musical ties between New York—a historic center of the genre—and Cali, Colombia, known as the world capital of salsa. Through the voices of dancers, musicians, collectors, and young enthusiasts, the film portrays salsa as both an artistic expression and a form of cultural resistance.

The documentary also features renowned artists such as Rubén Blades, Henry Fiol, and Willie Rosario, offering a look into how this music continues to unite generations and communities across borders.

The screening begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available through the festival’s official website (https://ti.to/alucine-festival/opening-gala) for $40 (film and afterparty) or $20 (screening only).

Salsa en el Solar: Roots of Resistance and Rhythm

Following the screening, the celebration will move to Lula Lounge at 10:00 p.m. for “Salsa en el Solar: Roots of Resistance and Rhythm.”

The event will feature the music collective Sonic Sancocho, founded by selectresses olasconola and Juana Go-gó, along with DJ Candela (Sinara). Their set will showcase salsa dura, boogaloo, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms exclusively on vinyl. This session aims to connect the roots of salsa with new generations, emphasizing its role as a form of community and cultural expression.

Tickets for the afterparty are $25 (party only) or $40 (film and reception).

A Quarter Century of Latin Film and Cultural Exchange

Since its founding, aluCine has established itself as one of Canada’s leading platforms for Latin American film and media arts, promoting innovation, diversity, and cultural dialogue.

This 25th edition continues that commitment, celebrating a quarter century of artistic creation and community engagement. By pairing the premiere of La Salsa Vive with a night of live music and dance, the festival underscores its dedication to showcasing Latin identity through cinema, rhythm, and collective memory.