Salsa legend Willie ColĂłn dies at age 75. Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, ColĂłn recorded dozens of albums including La Gran Fuga (The Big Break) in 1970 and El Juicio in 1972, according to Fania Records, a label that promoted salsa music.
He signed with Fania at age 15 and two years later, in 1967, released his first album El Malo, which has sold more than 300,000 copies, according to his biography on the LA Philharmonic website.
Colón’s music combined elements of jazz, rock and salsa, incorporating the rhythms of traditional music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Africa, the biography said.
“A significant overarching theme in Colón’s music—which draws from many cultures and several different styles—is an exploration of the competing associations that Puerto Ricans have with their home and with the United States,” it said. “He uses his songs to depict and investigate the problems of living in the U.S. as a Puerto Rican and also to imply the cultural contributions that Puerto Ricans have to offer.”
In 2004, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
A longtime social activist, ColĂłn was a member of the Latino Commission on AIDS and the United Nations Immigrant Foundation and was a board member at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, according to the biography.
“The Correction” is an official selection at the Wellsboro Film Festival in PA. Tonight at 7pm it will be screening at the Arcadia Theater. Written By: Aureo Ivan Cardona, Directed by Veronica Caicedo, Produced and Directed by Veronica Caicedo and Ernesto Matos. Starring Juan Carlos Lizardi, Ralina M. Cardona and Akin Dorsett
Congratulations to Summer Rose Castillo, this year’s IPRHFF inaugural “Rising Star” honoree!
On top of receiving our very first award of its kind, she has also earned her first Emmy nomination for her outstanding voice-over work in Alma’s Way.
We are so proud of you — ¡Pa’lante!
Support the preservation of Puerto Rican heritage through film this Giving Tuesday. Your contribution empowers us to continue amplifying vital stories and voices.
Tomorrow, the screens light up in Nosara. From December 3-6, we are bringing you a curated selection of films that capture the rhythm of life in the tropics.
We are also proud to announce that our Founder and CEO Veronica Caicedo will be speaking as part of the “Women In Film” panel discussion. Be sure to join us for this powerful conversation.
Don’t wait until the reviews are out to wish you were there. Secure your access to the magic now.
Tickets in bio!!!
🌟🇵🇷 A Proud Evening with The Castillo Family at the International Puerto Rican Film Festival! 🇵🇷🌟
Last week was one for the books! Our beautiful and talented daughter, Summer Rose Castillo, was honored with the Rising Star Award at the International Puerto Rican Film Festival — and our hearts are overflowing. ✨
Summer was recognized for her incredible work as a Voice-Over Actor on the hit PBS Kids animated series Alma’s Way, and for her powerful cinematic debut as young “Elaine” in the award-winning independent film Brownsville Bred, written and directed by the amazing Elaine Del Valle. 🎬💛
We are so proud of her dedication, her spirit, and the light she continues to shine at such a young age. This is only the beginning! 🌟
A heartfelt thank you to the International Puerto Rican Film Festival for hosting such a memorable evening, led with passion and vision by founder Veronica Caicedo.
We were honored to celebrate alongside special guests and fellow awardees Carlos Ponce, Wilson Cruz, Joe Torres, and Rafael Rivera Viruet — a truly inspiring room of Puerto Rican excellence. 🙌🇵🇷
Here’s to storytelling, heritage, and the rising stars who will shape the future.
¡Pa’lante siempre! ✨💙💛
Congratulations to every filmmaker honored this year. Your work inspires our community and pushes the culture forward. 🎬
Here are all of the 2025 IPRHFF Award Recipients. Thank you for sharing your stories with us!
Give me a 🙌🏾 if we will see you next year!
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