SUJO (2024) by creative Mexican duo Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez
With ‘SUJO,’ a cartel drama, award-winning writer/directors Astrid Rondero and Fernanda Valadez bring a new slant to the ‘shadow of violence’ that haunts Mexico to the 2024 BFI London Film Festival.
Mexican Bohemia in London - an interview wth Chloe Aridjis
As she prepares to speak at this weekend's Flipside Festival in Suffolk, Mexican author Chloe Aridjis talks to Elizabeth Mistry about stuffed animals and why she has made London her home.
An unknown path for Argentina as far-right libertarian Javier Milei wins election
Amidst one of the worst economic crises in Argentina’s history, Javier Milei staged one of the biggest upsets in its political history by beating Sergio Massa, the current economy minister and Peronist candidate, in the…
Roberto Bolaño: Literary Hot Property or Hot Air?
Roberto Bolaño is being hailed as the best author to come out of Latin America in the past 40 years. Why, after years of success in Spanish, has the Chilean author only now come onto the English-language radar and does he live up…
Things That Matter to...Arya
The second profile in our series on Venezuelan Diaspora Music, we are delighted to present a true rising star; Italo-Venezuelan singer/songwriter Arya. Daughter of Orlando Watussi, a well-known Venezuelan salsa singer, Arya grew…
'La Casa de Bernarda Alba' By Federico Garcia Lorca
Jorge de Juan directs a stunning new version of the intense and powerful play by Federico Garcia Lorca (1898- 1936), one of the greatest Spanish writers of the 20th century. A musician, a poet and a playwright Lorca died young…
Transforming Urban Spaces: Guatemala City’s barrancos
“We dream of a green city, an inclusive city, full of squares, full of children. We dream of a fair, walkable, accessible, liveable city. We believe in a greener, happier, more human city.” Urban planners and community gardeners…
El Cenote: Mexican Food Done Incredibly Well
Calling all Mexican food enthuisaists! Think deliciously fresh guacamole paired perfectly with the crunchiest nachos. Enchiladas stuffed with perfectly stringy cheese and chorizo, seasoned just-so. El Cenote brings the classic…
Football’s Bohemian
After a very successful career in the Spanish and Italian football leagues for Valencia, Lazio and Barcelona, Gaizka Mendieta felt the urge to experience the most acclaimed league in the world. At 29, the Bilbao-born Spanish…
Sylvia Libedinsky: Artist of the Absurd
Libedinsky’s new show “The Art of the Absurd” opens at the gx Gallery on Denmark Hill on February 7th. Mischievous and satirical, Libedinksy’s work challenges the viewer to think.
LATIN LONDONER #59 - Mariana Aristizábal, Actor, Director, Theatre-Maker
Colombian actress and theatre-maker Mariana Aristizábal describes herself as someone who “makes things happen, one way or another.” She has performed in 'Dirty Thirty,' 'Gloria y Ramona' and 'The…
Ana Maria Pacheco's ‘DISPERSING THE NIGHT’ Sculpture exhibition at Salisbury Cathedral
A not-to-be-missed exhibition of original works by Ana Maria Pacheco.
Carlos' Tres Leches
It's one of Latin America’s most-loved deserts – a sponge cake made with condensed milk, evaporated milk and whole milk. I was recently working at my restaurant when I looked up to find the comedian Romish Ranganathan…
Things That Matter To...Eliane Elias
Brazilian jazz pianist Eliane Elias is known for her distinctive and immediately recognizable musical style which blends her Brazilian roots, her sensuous, alluring voice with her virtuosic instrumental jazz, classical and…
Cuban Spirit
Roberto Fonseca’s soulful, dynamic new album, Yesun, is a reincarnation, where the sounds of an old Cuba collide gracefully with the clean precision of modern day. The son of Havana’s streets, now on a European tour, spoke to…
Bola de Nieve (11 September 1911 – 2 October 1971)
Ignacio Jacinto Villa Fernández, nicknamed Bola de Nieve (snowball) - pianist, singer and songwriter - was one of the most charismatic cultural figures of his times. Black and gay, and self-confident with it, he disarmed his…
Same-Sex Marriage Becomes Legal in Mexico
On 26 October, Tamaulipas became the last of Mexico’s 32 states to legalise same-sex marriage. Legislators approved the measure to reform the state’s civil code - which previously only recognised marriage as the unity between a…
Nova Gaucho - the uniqueness of Argentine Design
Argentine Design hit London's biggest design show in a big way last week. We picked our favourites...
In Search of the New Brazil
The Brazilian film 'Aquarius' received rave reviews following its World Premiere at Cannes where it was nominated for the Palme d’Or, the Cannes Jury Prize, and the Cannes Grand Prix. Just as captivating for the world’s…
Spanish Made Simple by Omar Allibhoy (Quadrille)
Avoid Jamie's Spanish controversies, and get the real deal with Omar Allibhoy's journey through the best and most authentic Spanish dishes
Latin Flare
Love is really all that matters when it comes to relationships, so it is with great ‘Flare’ that the BFI brings a sizzling new selection of movies, including from Latin America, to celebrate Gay, Lesbian and Trans film-making.…
“Who would I invite on stage in London?...probably Jessie J!”
Juanes, the world’s most successful all-Spanish artist, talks to Latinolife exclusively about music, idols and ideals.
A Deeper Love
In Part two of her response to the article 'Did Salsa dancers KIll Salsa Music', Kerry Ribchester argues that Britain's love affair with Salsa (Cuban salsa at least) has not died but evolved. Like with any true…
Things We Love About... Mexican Comedy
Ask a British person what they know about Mexico and they might mention tacos and Cancún: for those unacquainted with the country, its image is inextricably linked to bean-laden delicacies and ‘Spring Break’ debauchery. However…
Odd One Out
Hailed as one of the most promising jazz musicians of her generation, Chilean saxophonist Melissa Aldana is somewhat of an anomoly. Amaranta Wright meets Blue Note’s latest signing and discovers an incredible journey from a…
Top 10 Savoury Latin Dishes on a Budget
Many of us are feeling the squeeze but this doesn’t mean we need to give up on tasty and nutritious Latin food. From simple comfort food to showstopper dishes for sharing, Clorrie Yeomans has whipped up a list of her top 10…
Things That Matter to…Sara Correia
Widely regarded around the world as one of Fado music’s fastest rising stars, Portuguese singer Sara Correia’s profile has continued to rise sharply this year following the release of her acclaimed third studio album '…
Folkoric Child
Mariana Yegros made her name as ‘La Yegros’, the Argentine artist who mixes the country's forgotten folklore and its passion for cumbia with electronic sounds. Recently at Rich Mix, her magnetic performance clearly showed…
Marc Anthony’s Debut Concert in the UK
The biggest selling salsa artist of all time showed he could still be surprised by adoring fans, as he was visibly moved and energised by an 02 full of London's latinos.
Aquarius (2017 Dir. Kleber Filho Mendonça)
A richly painted portrait of Brazilian society, of corporate greed and, ultimately, of a woman of a certain age.
THE JULY REGGAETON RECAP
July is the month of collaborations! From a trio packed with Argentinian All-stars to another who are each representing their own nation, it’s great to see artists working together providing the ultimate summer soundtrack.
Surrogate Latino #2 Monika Molnar - Samba Dancer and Teacher
Monika Molnar is a Hungarian from Slovakia and two times LUKAS winner of the Brazilian Dance Teacher Award. Here is her story
The Shape of Water (2017) Dir. Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo del Toro’s stunning and superbly crafted fairy-tale fantasy is brimming with imagination, profound empathy and a deep and powerful sensuality.