about the movie
SANTOS–Skin to Skin is a film portrait of community activist and seven-time Grammy nominee John Santos, a “keeper of the Afro-Caribbean flame.” Rich in musical performances, Santos links the rhythms of his ancestors to contemporary struggles of identity and social justice.
…the kind of doc best experienced with the volume turned up and the heart wide open. SKIN TO SKIN is as meaningful as it is entertaining. With messages that need to be heard and music that won't be forgotten, SANTOS – SKIN TO SKIN is one of 2022's most memorable music docs.”
Transcendent, hypnotic and always filled with the joy of life! SANTOS – SKIN TO SKIN takes an honored place beside other documentaries of Afro-Caribbean life and music, such as Buena Vista Social Club…” TURN THE VOLUME UP AND LUXURIATE IN THE MUSIC.”
I cannot think of any better person to be featured in a documentary film that will
broaden our understanding of the complexities and richness of music in promoting cross
cultural understanding thru music and historical storytelling.
…a brilliantly energetic portrait of a hard-working musician and educator as dedicated to preserving and expanding Afro-Latin music as he is to navigating the politics of culture, social equality, and racial injustice.
…a lively and compelling portrait of the man and his music.
It is the passion for his craft and his deep understanding of its place in community and heritage that makes Golden’s film so compelling.”
…alive with the rhythms and melodies of multiple Latin American countries, individually and in fusion.
Captures the spirit of the man in the music, letting newcomers gauge intuitively why the story matters.”
Sure to inspire you to learn more about international music, or at the very least, to get up and dance!
A celebratory portrait of John Santos, whose role in playing music is as important as his documenting it.”
EXHILARATING!
A life-embracing attitude is what shines through SANTOS – SKIN TO SKIN. As musician and bandleader Eddie Palmieri confides, ‘John Santos lives in my heart and pays no rent.’”
Trailer
Cast & Crew
Gallery
Screenings
FREIGHT & SALVAGE
Berkeley, CA
Wednesday, Mar. 29th - 7pm - Q&A w/ John Santos, Kathryn Golden & Ashley James
Freight & Salvage Ticket Information
CHICAGO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL
Chicago, IL
Saturday, Apr. 22nd - 4pm - W/ FILMMAKER Q&A
CHICAGO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL Ticket Information
Mendocino Film Festival
Mendocino, CA
Friday, June 2nd - 7:30pm - Q&A W/ JOHN SANTOS, KATHRYN GOLDEN & ASHLEY JAMES
Mendocino Film Festival Ticket Information
Healdsburg Jazz Festival
Healdsburg, CA
Monday, June 19th - 6pm - Q&A W/ JOHN SANTOS, KATHRYN GOLDEN & ASHLEY JAMES
Healdsburg Jazz Festival Ticket Information
Amherst Cinema Sound & Vision
Amherst, MA
Wednesday, Aug. 23rd - 7pm
Amherst Cinema Sound & Vision Ticket Information Coming Soon!
Monterey Jazz Festival
Monterey, CA
Saturday, Sept. 23rd - 1pm - Q&A W/ JOHN SANTOS, KATHRYN GOLDEN & ASHLEY JAMES
Monterey Jazz Festival Ticket Information
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Searchlight Films
Presents
SANTOS - Skin to Skin
Featuring
John Santos
with
THE JOHN SANTOS SEXTET
DR. JOHN CALLOWAY
MARCO DIAZ
SAUL SIERRA
DAVID FLORES
MELECIO MAGDALUYO
CINEMATOGRAPHY BY
Ashley James
EDITED BY
Kathryn Golden
Directed by
Kathryn Golden
With Generous Support by
