Everybody Loves Salsa is an animated short film that celebrates Latin American heritage, rhythm, culture, and connection through movement, colour, and music. More than ten years in development and two years of production, the film combines 2D and 3D animation with mixed media techniques, creating a vibrant visual experience inspired by Colombia and the culture of salsa. With a salsa track and a Colombian Pacific-inspired piece exclusively made for the project, Everybody Loves Salsa brings together musicians, artists, and dancers to honour Cali and the spirit of salsa.
Cali becomes the backdrop for the film, with real-life streets, landmarks, and atmosphere captured through real photographs that were seamlessly woven into the animation. Drawing inspiration from salsa’s spontaneous nature, the project was approached with an open mind, often letting rhythm guide creativity. Over the years, the project went through different stages, evolving organically, integrating new ideas, and refining techniques that reflected Daniel’s ongoing journey with design while simultaneously experiencing Colombian culture.
Visually, Everybody Loves Salsa is a celebration of culture and colour. Its colour palette was perfected for over a decade, drawing from the colours of Colombia’s flag, and the ones present in nature, like the tropical fruits and Cali’s architecture, with all the colours matching seamlessly with each other. The short film’s characters are representative of Colombia and its culture, including El Guacamayo, La Palenquera, La Marimonda, El Jaguar, Juan Valdez, El Pibe Valderrama, and original characters El Dios de la Salsa and The AI Preacher. With each character reflecting a beloved part of the Colombian culture, combines with the original tracks and choreography, Everybody Loves Salsa is a love letter to the city of Cali, and the vibrant soul of Latin America.
Animation, Design, Idea and Production: Daniel Cordero Additional Animation: Luis Mejia, Manuel Casares and Jose Lun. Sound Design: Jeff Moberg Music by: Bombo Records and Arcadia Sonora
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Everybody Loves Salsa is an animated short film that celebrates Latin American heritage, rhythm, culture, and connection through movement, colour, and music. More than ten years in development and two years of production, the film combines 2D and 3D animation with mixed media techniques, creating a vibrant visual experience inspired by Colombia and the culture of salsa. With a salsa track and a Colombian Pacific-inspired piece exclusively made for the project, Everybody Loves Salsa brings together musicians, artists, and dancers to honour Cali and the spirit of salsa.
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Credits:
Animation, Design, Idea and Production: Daniel Cordero
Additional Animation: Luis Mejia, Manuel Casares and Jose Lun.
Sound Design: Jeff Moberg
Music by: Bombo Records and Arcadia Sonora
Website: danielcordero.net
Instagram: @corderodani