A powerful biographical drama, Rebellion explores the life, legacy, and inner turmoil of Álvaro José “Joe” Arroyo, one of the most influential figures in Latin American music. Set against the backdrop of Colombia’s shifting political and social landscape from the 1970s to the early 2000s, the film traces Arroyo’s meteoric rise from the marginalized barrios of Cartagena to the international stage, where his unique blend of salsa, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and African diasporic sounds would redefine the genre.
At the center of the story is Arroyo’s iconic protest anthem, “La Rebelión”—a landmark in Colombian music history that gave voice to the legacy of slavery and Black resistance in Latin America. In 2018, Billboard listed this iconic song among the “15 Best Salsa Songs Ever.” As the film delves into Joe’s musical genius, it also confronts his lifelong battles with fame, drug addiction, systemic racism, and personal loss.
Rebellion not only celebrates Joe Arroyo’s groundbreaking contributions to Latin music but also examines themes of cultural identity, postcolonial struggle, and artistic resistance. Through rich visual storytelling, rare archival material, and emotionally charged performances, the film offers a nuanced portrayal of a man whose music was a form of rebellion in itself.
Directed by José Luis Rugeles, Rebellion invites viewers to reflect on the power of music as both an artistic expression and a historical force. The film is ideal for audiences interested in Afro-Latin history, musicology, and cultural studies.
