BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB: ADIOS

Director Lucy Walker / 2017 / USA,Cuba

A touching farewell to the world’s most beloved son cubano musicians.

Few films have had as much of an immediate cultural impact as the original Buena Vista Social Club did back in 1999. Introducing us to the flamboyant, consummate musicians of Cuba's walled-off musical garden, Wim Wenders' film made overnight stars of ageing troubadours Ibrahim Ferrer – 'the Cuban Nat King Cole' – Ruben Gonzalez, Omara Portundo and 93-year-old guitarist Compay Segundo, along with a whole host of others.

Now 17 years on, it's time to say goodbye. Buena Vista Social Club: Adios draws on archival footage and outtakes from Wenders’ original shoot, before following the now vastly changed Social Club ensemble as they embark on their farewell tour. Reflecting on where they've come from and those that have already passed, Buena Vista Social Club: Adios is both a magnificent, life-affirming portrait of musical passion undimmed by age, as well as a toe-tapping tribute to one of the world's great musical traditions and the troubled country that birthed it.

'An exemplary sequel and a vital, informative companion piece … tougher and more analytical, with real challenges embedded in its pleasures.' – New York Times

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