Watch Mercedes Sosa: The Voice of Latin America

Mercedes Sosa: The Voice of Latin America is a 2013 documentary that pays tribute to the acclaimed Argentine singer Mercedes Sosa, hailed around the world as one of the most iconic voices of the Latin American music scene. The film is a remarkable collage of archive footage, interviews, and live performances that showcase the life, career, and legacy of this legendary artist.

Directed by Rodrigo H. Vila, the movie features a diverse cast of commentators and musicians who offer insightful reflections on the cultural and political significance of Sosa's music. Among them are Chico Buarque, the Brazilian singer-songwriter and poet; Elba Bustelo, an Argentine journalist and writer; and David Byrne, the Scottish-American musician and composer.

The documentary opens with scenes from Sosa's early life in Tucumán, a province in the north of Argentina. Born into a humble, working-class family, Sosa developed an early passion for music and singing. She began her career in the early 1950s, performing traditional Argentinian folk songs in small cafes, bars, and theaters. Her music, deeply rooted in the country's rich cultural heritage, was a seminal influence on the Latin American nueva canción (New Song) movement that emerged in the 1960s.

The film charts Sosa's meteoric rise to fame in the 1970s and 80s, a period characterized by political repression, censorship, and human rights abuses in many countries throughout the region. Sosa's music, with its themes of social justice, freedom, and solidarity, became a rallying cry for those fighting for democracy and human dignity.

The documentary features extensive footage of Sosa's live performances, showcasing her powerful, soaring voice and her charismatic stage presence. Some of the most memorable segments include her rendition of "Gracias a la Vida" (Thanks to Life), a song that has become an anthem for Latin America, and her duet with Sting on "Fragile."

Throughout the film, Sosa's work is placed in the context of the political and cultural struggles of the time. The documentary explores how Sosa's music was censored and banned by authoritarian regimes, and how she faced persecution and exile. Yet, despite the challenges, Sosa remained true to her convictions and continued to use her music to inspire and unite people.

As the documentary draws to a close, Sosa's legacy is celebrated by a generation of young musicians who have been inspired by her work. The film shows how her influence has transcended borders and continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

In summary, Mercedes Sosa: The Voice of Latin America is an inspiring tribute to a remarkable artist whose music has touched the hearts of millions. With its mix of interviews, archive footage, and live performances, the documentary provides a compelling portrait of a woman whose voice and spirit continue to inspire us today.

Mercedes Sosa: The Voice of Latin America is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 50.