Philly Rumba
Cultural Justice Project - Series 1
Philly Rumba is a short documentary about a group of African American men in Philadelphia who gravitated toward Cuban Rumba as an expression of their African roots during the Civil Rights and Pan African Eras. More than 50 years later, they continue to play Rumba together, proving that music can create community and solidarity in difficult times.
2026
Runtime: 25 minutes
A film by Melissa Beatriz & Andrés Cisneros
World Premiere at BlackStar 2026
Behind the Scenes
Photo Credits
BTS production photos - Erika Ramirez
Additional photos - Melissa Beatriz
Photos 9-14 - Luiza Barreto
Support by
Philly Rumba previews
Crew
Director, Producer
Melissa Beatriz
Director, Field Producer
Andrés Cisneros
Producer
Lila Yomtoob
Editor
Gabriela Cavanaugh
Archival Producer
Matt Lavine
Directors of Photography
Aidan Un
Ty Burdenski
Additional Cinematography
Stephanie Ramones
Associate Producer
Frances Almodovar
Production Assistant & Social Media Coordinator
Erika Ramírez-Lorenzo
Assistant Editor
Luke Northrop
Sound mix
Eric Stapleton
Executive Producer
Actívate Media
Community Organization
Timbalona Collective
Contact
Melissa Beatriz (Director, Producer)
Actívate - info@activatestories.org
Lila Yomtoob (Producer)
Andrés Cisneros (Director, Field Producer)
Portraits of Philly Rumba
Photo Credit: Luiza Barreto
[Background & main poster]
Philly Rumba also includes “Portraits of Philly Rumba,” series 1 of the Cultural Justice Project. “Portraits of Philly Rumba” include 6 mini short films featuring each participant.
Portraits of Philly Rumba: Tony
Portraits of Philly Rumba: Andre
Portraits of Philly Rumba: Yinka
Portraits of Philly Rumba: The Wilkies
Portraits of Philly Rumba: Renny & Rocío
Portraits of Philly Rumba: Jeff