“Matthew Heineman has established himself as easily one of the best documentarians in the world right now… Here’s the thing, you don’t need to know, like, or understand reggaeton or know who J Balvin is to dig this doc. Heineman is always so immersive in his filmmaking, seemingly right beside his subjects at all times, always managing to be in the most intimate places you’d never expect a filmmaker to be.”
- Rodrigo Perez, The Playlist
“Engrossing and suspenseful… Provocative and incisive, it is especially relevant now as the divisive politics in our country leave little room to remain neutral.”
- Peter Keough, The Boston Globe
“Heineman gives us a portrait of a musician that asks: Does your responsibility as an artist mean that remaining silent doubles as a cardinal sin?”
- David Fear, Rolling Stone
“When Matthew Heineman’s “The Boy From Medellin,” begins, the subject of this extraordinary documentary is living the dream… Some films make do with stories that present an interesting surface and little more. In “The Boy From Medellin” undercurrents run constantly.”
- Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal
“In theory, a documentary about J Balvin seems like something that would only be of interest to a reggaeton fan. However, in the hands of experienced and prominent filmmaker Matthew Heineman (“Cartel Land”, “A Private War”), “The Boy from Medellin” …becomes a high level film that touches on much more profound issues than expected…”
- Sergio Burstein, Los Angeles Times
“The Boy From Medellin” is a timely look at modern fame, social media and social justice, and what it is we want from our stars. It’s also a deeply humanizing glimpse into Balvin, looking at both his rise and his struggles.”
- Adam Graham, Detroit News
“The Boy From Medellin” takes a fly-on-the-wall approach that codifies its subject’s authenticity at every turn.”
- David Ehrlich, Indiewire
SYNOPSIS
From Academy Award®-nominated and Emmy-Winning filmmaker Matthew Heineman (Cartel Land, City of Ghosts, A Private War) comes an astonishingly intimate portrait of one of the biggest international music superstars of our time. THE BOY FROM MEDELLÍN follows J Balvin as he prepares for the most important concert of his career--a sold out stadium show in his hometown of Medellín, Colombia. But as the performance draws ever closer, the streets explode with growing political unrest, forcing the Latin Grammy-winning musician to wrestle with his responsibility as an artist to his country and his legions of fans around the globe. As the public pressure of the approaching concert heightens, behind the scenes, Balvin also continues to deal with the anxiety and depression that has plagued him for years. Shot entirely in the dramatic week leading up to the concert, THE BOY FROM MEDELLÍN gives us unprecedented access to the “Prince of Reggaeton,” and provides an immersive look into one of the most pivotal and emotionally charged moments of his life.
DISTRIBUTION
THE BOY FROM MEDELLÍN premiered at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. Amazon Studios has acquired worldwide rights and the film will be released on May 7th, 2021 on Amazon Prime Video.