A celebration of Latin jazz, collaboration and musical conversation

This Film + Conversation Night features Calle 54, Fernando Trueba’s 2000 documentary film exploring the world of Latin jazz through intimate studio sessions, performances and conversations with some of the genre’s most influential musicians.

Rather than following a single narrative, the film moves between artists, styles and moments of musical exchange — showing how jazz, rhythm and improvisation travel across cultures, generations and geographies.

The film offers a rare, close-up view of musicians in the act of making music together, revealing the shared language, listening and responsiveness that sit at the heart of jazz.

The screening will be followed by a facilitated conversation inviting reflection on the film’s themes, cultural context and emotional resonance.

Film synopsis

Calle 54 brings together leading figures in Latin jazz — including Tito Puente, Chucho Valdés, Paquito D’Rivera, Eliane Elias, Gato Barbieri and others — in a series of studio performances and informal conversations filmed in Madrid and New York.

The film explores how African, Caribbean, Latin American and North American musical traditions meet and evolve through jazz, revealing music as a living, collaborative process shaped by listening, dialogue and cultural exchange.

Why this film matters

Calle 54 offers a powerful meditation on music as conversation — across cultures, histories and identities. It invites reflection on how traditions are carried, transformed and kept alive through people, relationships and shared practice.

The film also highlights the importance of listening, collaboration and respect in creative work, making it a beautiful companion to the values of the Hidden Beach programme.

Who it’s for

• Adults and young people aged approximately 14+

• People interested in music, jazz, rhythm and cultural exchange

• Anyone curious about how musical traditions travel and evolve

Dates & booking

One screening in August 2026
Part of the Hidden Beach Summer of Culture programme

Full details released March 2026