Celia The Queen

Hispafilms in association with Perles Films presents the Kids in Exile Films production, Celia the Queen, a feature length documentary about the life and legacy of a woman whose voice symbolized the soul of a nation. Erupting onto the Cuban music scene as the frontwoman for La Sonosa Mantancera, Celia Cruz broke down all the barriers of racism and sexism. With the powerful weapon of her voice and the warm tolerance of her heart, Celia soon became all things to all people. This film will show the diversity of the people whose lives she touched, from the big stars of music, literature and film like Quincy Jones, Andy Garcia and Wyclef Jean to ordinary people all over the world.

Through her 25 year long relationship with Fania records, her audience grew. From the stages of glamorous nightclubs in New York to the radios listened to in secret from the ghetto of Havana, Celia's voice traveled the distance. The story traces Celia's exile from her beloved Cuba up until her tragic death in 2003. In a career that spanned over half a century, Celia both witnessed and participated in many revolutions of music, politics and style. Celia the Queen gives insight into not only Celia the performer, but Celia the loving wife, Celia the hero, Celia the symbol of political exile. Even in death, Celia Cruz represents life.

         www.celiathequeen.com