7 Short Documentaries about Puerto Rico on YouTube

Whether you're intrigued by the intricate art of wooden saints, the battle against social injustice, or the lively clash between salsa and rock, there are many, short Puerto Rican documentaries that both educate and entertain. Dive deep into Puerto Rican culture, history, and resilience with these seven short documentaries available for free on YouTube.

1. El Santero (1956) is a documentary featuring Puerto Rican santero Zoilo Cajigas y Sotomayor. He was a renowned 96-year-old Puerto Rican artisan, showcasing his intricate craftsmanship in carving wooden models of saints. The film provides a detailed look into the meticulous process behind his revered art.
2. La Operación (1982) is a documentary delving into the US-imposed sterilization policies on Puerto Rican women during the 1950s and 60s. Produced by the Latin American Film Project, it critically examines the impact of these policies on Puerto Rican society and women's reproductive rights.
3. Cocolos y Rockeros (1992) is a lively documentary delving into Puerto Rico's generational music divide, spotlighting "cocolos" who love salsa and "rockeros" or rock fans. With interviews and vibrant musical scenes, it humorously yet thoughtfully examines youth culture and national identity. It features performances by celebrities such as Gilberto Santa Rosa and El Gran Combo.
4. Candlelight (2018) is set in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria. It follows a young woman navigating daily life amid the chaos and contention surrounding the island's recovery. Through her personal struggles and resilience, the film highlights the human side of the disaster, offering a reflection on the intersection of individual hardship and broader societal issues.
5. Sounds of the Rum Capital (2021) is a documentary that takes you on a captivating tour of Puerto Rico’s top 10 rum distilleries. It pairs stunning visuals of the rum-making process with the sounds of influential Puerto Rican musicians, offering a spirited blend of craftsmanship and culture.
6. Takeover (2021) chronicles the 1970 takeover of a dilapidated New York City hospital by the Puerto Rican activists group Young Lords. The film captures their struggle for community health care and social justice, highlighting their fight for a better future amidst adversity.
7. Aquí vive gente (2022) is an 18-minute documentary-music video hybrid, created by reggaeton star Bad Bunny and featuring journalist Bianca Graulau. It explores the effects of new investors on low-income Puerto Rican communities following the 2012 investment act, highlighting the harsh realities of gentrification and displacement.

David Arias is a Puerto Rican freelance journalist in the San Francisco Bay Area, specializing in local politics, law enforcement, housing, migration, and the independent art scene. He holds a master’s degree in mass communications from San Diego State University and is originally from Logan Square, Chicago. David also serves as a communications specialist for UC Davis.