Daniel Cordero’s animated short film ‘Everybody Loves Salsa’ is set to premiere on November 11, exclusively via SCRIMSHAW Animation. The film, which blends traditional and modern animation techniques, offers a colorful, movement-driven celebration of Latin American heritage, with particular homage to the city of Cali and Colombia’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Rooted in a decade-long development journey and two years of production, ‘Everybody Loves Salsa’ is a deeply personal project for Cordero. Drawing inspiration from Cali’s renowned salsa culture and the dynamic spirit of its people, the film explores Latin identity through sound, motion, and richly detailed visuals.
The animation is brought to life through a mix of 2D and 3D visuals paired with original music composed specifically for the project. One track is an energetic salsa piece, while the other incorporates traditional elements from Colombia’s Pacific South. This musical blend sets the tone for the film’s fluid choreography and visual storytelling, emphasizing rhythm as a central character in itself. 
Visually, the film’s palette is carefully curated to reflect the colors of the Colombian flag, local fruits, and the distinct design of Cali’s architecture. These design choices immerse the viewer in a world that is both grounded in folklore and alive with imagination. Characters such as El Guacamayo, El Jaguar, La Palenquera, La Marimonda, Juan Valdez, and El Pibe Valderrama are joined by original creations like El Dios de la Salsa and The AI Preacher, forming a symbolic and expressive cast that celebrates the country’s deep cultural roots.
“After a decade in development and two years of hard work, it’s incredibly thrilling and exciting to release this animation that depicts very dear subjects to me: music, culture, color and Latin American heritage. This is a very personal project to me and I hope people can get as excited and inspired as I am by the rhythm and people of Colombia” reflects Cordero.
A cinematic fusion of heritage and innovation, ‘Everybody Loves Salsa’ serves as a moving tribute to community, music, and the soul of a nation.
