El Benny offers a warts-and-all but compassionate portrayal of the life of legendary singer and bandleader Benny Moré (1919–1963) - that not only celebrates his extraordinary musical talent but also illuminates the broader social context of music-making by Black musicians in pre-revolutionary years. It doesn’t hide from the man’s excesses nor the racism he faced, while revealing his deep commitment to his art and his people.

The drama concentrates on the 1950s, a crucial decade in El Bárbaro del Ritmo’s artistic development and his emergence as one of the greatest Latin American musicians of the 20th century. The film opens as Benny arrives in Cuba from Mexico and is offered work by a wealthy politician which doesn’t go to plan. Betrayed and frustrated, never far from a drink, the legend puts his band back together and triumphs but misfortune and chaos surround him.

The soundtrack is outstanding, with completely newly recorded tracks by Santiago singer Juan Manuel Villi, sounding uncannily like Benny. It includes help from contemporary legends pianist Chucho Valdés, and the late Los Van Van band leader Juan Formell, who composed a special tribute heard at the end of the film.

Content Warning: Contains scenes of domestic violence