Educational Media Reviews Online

Miguelito: A Song to Puerto Rico follows the search for a singer who, after recording his first and only album at the age of eleven, faded into obscurity. Filmmaker Sam Zubrycki slowly uncovers the details of Miguelito’s life based on the stories of those who knew him. Zubrycki is thorough in his research, consulting those who knew Miguelito before, during, and after the production of his album and its subsequent commercial failure. The result is a film that depicts a process of uncovering the truth, including its successes and failures, rather than a clean-cut narrative.

Throughout the search for Miguelito, viewers are treated to glimpses of Puerto Rican culture, both past and present. The film’s soundtrack is based on the salsa music that drives the plot, consisting of excerpts from Miguelito’s album, Canto a Borinquen, and other popular tracks of the time. The utilization of this soundtrack helps to acquaint viewers with the genre that impacts the subjects of the film.

While this film can be enjoyed regardless of the context, it could have a use in the classroom as well, particularly in the fields of music performance and music business. Miguelito portrays the music industry in its entirety, including the risks and rewards associated with attempting to break into the business. In particular, the impact of the music industry on children is on full display here, emphasizing the emotional and financial toll the industry can have on young performers and their families.

The content and presentation of Miguelito is easily accessible to viewers regardless of their knowledge on the subject matter. As a result, the film could easily fit into any library servicing adult audiences, whether academic or public. Libraries dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) would especially benefit by adding this film to their collection, as it delves into a genre of music that is often overlooked, especially within academic libraries.

Awards:
Best Australian Documentary, Antenna Documentary Film Festival; Best Documentary, Oaxaca Film Festival; San Juan International Film Festival, Honorable Mention

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