After taking over the world of music with their hypnotic urban Latino sound, the Puerto Rican duo behind Calle 13 will be premiering their first film of their recent travels to South and Central America. The Grammy-Award winners will be presenting their documentary, titled Sin Mapa, at the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) where fans can have a first look at what they experienced on the journey of knowledge. Like the film, “without a map” is a good way of describing artists Residente and Visitante. They successfully took to the streets of other countries and met with natives on their home grounds far from civilization to learn firsthand about music and how it differs from what the media teaches us. As a major alternative Latin group, Calle 13 always present their musical projects in the most unexpected ways. As a result, they have stamped themselves with an original style not capable of being duplicated.
Today, Calle 13 is looking to share what they learned, the places they went, and the people that know the roots of our favorite musical genres. Whether here in the U.S. or in South America, Calle 13 proves in Sin Mapa that Latinos all share a common bond that goes beyond race. We had the privilege of speaking with Residente about the group’s life changing trip, how their music is evolving, and whether they’re ready to conquer the film industry.
nocheLatina: You filmed a documentary called Sin Mapa. Tell us a little about this film.
Residente: It started like an educational thing. I wanted to learn more about Latin America. That’s why I traveled, to connect with people in those regions. I wanted to take this trip so people can see and understand the journey.
nocheLatina: Who came up with the idea to travel and film this?
Residente: I came up with the idea. Initially, the idea was just to travel and learn. It would show a lot of the music and how they’re mix with different instruments to create a unique touch. I thought that we could use this to inform others.
nocheLatina: What were some of the things that you learned during this trip?
Residente: Every country has a different dialect, different stories, landscapes, and sounds. Those are the things that connect us. That mix, not fusion, adds to the music in all of Latin America.
nocheLatina: What were some of the more interesting places you visited during this journey?
Residente: Every place is interesting. We rode by horse in Peru. We were in the middle of a lake on one of the highest locations in the world, at least 12,000 feet, which was great.
nocheLatina: Did you feel the spirituality of the places you went?
Residente: Not really, you feel what you want to feel. It was more about peace and learning for me.
nocheLatina: Tell us about some of the differences in musical styles for each country you visited?
Residente: I learned more from the indigenous people. I love it. The land to them is a matter of respecting it. I learned that musically you have so many different cultures in one country. For instance, in Colombia you have one area which contains an African community. In Nevada you also have indigenous groups, or Lebanese in another. There’s so many cultures in one place.
nocheLatina: Do you feel you have expanded your knowledge by traveling abroad as opposed to spending your early years in one island?
Residente: I always wanted to travel. I didn’t have the money or the time then. Now I have the money to travel to places. I felt that I needed this to have more credibility in my lyrics.
nocheLatina: How different is the music in South America?
Residente: I knew some of the music because in Puerto Rico you have African heritage. Some music was similar, but in Colombia you had a different cuadannado. In Peru, los Charrango was just like in Argentina, along with different parts of Colombia and Mexico.
nocheLatina: Were you seeking anything in particular during this journey?
Residente: I was looking for the real world to educate myself. I disconnected myself from the outside world. I needed that.
nocheLatina: What do you hope people take away from this film?
Residente: I think music serves as information. People can take what they want from it. Historically, we are not telling a story. It’s a film-our first. It’s not even a documentary really. It’s more like information we are putting out.
nocheLatina: How were some of the ways you traveled?
Residente: Sometimes we traveled like immigrant style, crossing borders. Sometimes we went by train or car. We walked often. There were some dangerous times which were not recorded, where security was tighter. In some places we had to get permission, but it was generally not a problem.
nocheLatina: How do you feel about your first film effort?
Residente: I feel it’s a good effort for a first film. I recorded it for people to watch. I am writing for another project. I would like to do more films. I didn’t direct this one. Instead, I narrated and put in some ideas. Keep in mind that it was an unofficial first time for me.
nocheLatina: What is the final word on this project and the impact you hope to make with it?
Residente: I hope that Sin Mapa can give inspiration to other groups. This film may also help in bringing more interest to our new album and giving us chances to do more shows. I believe Sin Mapa will allow us the ability to express ourselves without boundaries.
To learn more about NYILFF, click here.
