Residente

Residente is a documentary film from 2017 directed and starring René Pérez Joglar, well-known by his stage name “Residente”. The film also features artist Miles Solay and other personalities. This compelling documentary is based on music, science, and the pursuit of self-discovery, delving into the roots of Latin America through an extraordinary journey embodied by the popular rapper.

The film is an exploration into Joglar's genetic ancestry, following the Puerto Rican rapper’s quest to discover the origin of his DNA. This intriguing journey begins when Residente takes a DNA test that reveals his roots trace back to 10 different ethnicities scattered across the globe. As a result, he embarks on a global adventure, exploring different locations that makeup parts of his genetic map.

Primarily, Residente delves into the controversial subject matter of identity: how are we defined? Is it our culture, our ancestry, or the place we were born? The film successfully shows how music bridges the gap between these definitions, creating a universal form of communication.

Every stop on the rapper’s global journey is transformed into inspiration for his music. Each location represents a unique piece of his DNA and it is represented by a song released in his album also titled ‘Residente’. It's a fascinating blend of fieldwork, musical experimentation, and a deep dive into the ancient history, culture, and people that compose his genetic makeup.

As Residente travels to places like China, Russia, the Caucasus, Africa, and the Americas, he collaborates with local musicians, producing extraordinary pieces that fuse different genres and styles. The fusion of traditional ethnic music with Residente’s unique style creates a sonic rollercoaster that mirrors his exciting journey of self-discovery. The exploration of music forms a great part of the set, and acts as a symbolical thread weaving together the disparate parts of Residente's DNA.

Some parts of the film have a raw expectedness that solidifies the authenticity of the project. Residente wholeheartedly immerses himself into each culture he visits. He attempts to communicate in the local language and dances to the region's folk music. He's seen flinging himself into each culture, music, and tradition he encounters, absorbing everything on a profound and personal level.

One unique aspect of this film is its seamless blend of music, culture, science, and travel. It's not just a musical documentary – it opens up a broader conversation about ancestry, cultural identity, diversity, and the uniting power of music. The director skillfully interweaves Residente's personal introspection with captivating, vivid compositions of the cultures and histories of each country visited.

Also featuring in the film is Miles Solay, an American artist, who adds another shade to the colorful journey with intense, thought-provoking discussions about music, politics, and culture. The film sprawls across diverse subjects while maintaining music as the main storyline, enhancing the depth and understanding of the plot.

Throughout the film, viewers observe how Residente filters his experiences and transforms them into art. His ultimate masterpiece becomes his internationally acclaimed self-titled album, 'Residente', which fittingly accompanies the film on the same journey in musical form. The album stands as testament to the power of art and music as truly universal languages, able to weave together diverse strands of experience into a cohesive and captivating story.

"Residente" is a documentary that offers a global perspective, intending to remind viewers of the interconnectedness of the human race. It maintains a balance between introspection, science, and artistry, making for a fascinating watch.

Ultimately, the film encapsulates and projects the message of unity in diversity. It is an engaging documentary that focuses on our common heritage regardless of the different paths we have taken. The respect and appreciation for each culture's uniqueness are greatly profound in every segment of the film.

In summary, Residente is a beautiful musical travelogue that will resonate with all those who understand that identity is a complex tapestry of elements. It not only showcases the power of music as a universal language but also the importance of understanding and acknowledging our roots. It will captivate anyone intrigued by the notions of identity, culture, history, and the unifying power of music.