The ventilator

Director: Neus Sala

Producer: Mediaplay: Xavi Collado; RTVE: Irene Marín; Xarxa: Didac Boza, Laura Balcells, Joana Vallès

Producer Company: Mediaplay

Agency:

Client: Xarxa Audiovisual Local i RTVE

Country: Spain

Synopsis

This documentary offers a chronological journey through the history of Catalan rumba, featuring around thirty interviews with its key figures. Enriched with archival footage from RTVE, illustrating the genre's most emotional and significant moments, the film's main objective is to support the candidacy of Catalan rumba for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. It is a co-production of La Xarxa de Comunicació Local and RTVE, with the support of Media Play, and has been awarded the Alegría de Vivir 2025 Prize for documentary excellence.

Objectives

The goal of the film is to recover and celebrate the historical and musical legacy of Catalan Rumba. Through stories, performances, and reflections, the film highlights the genre’s deep roots, its evolution, and its vital role in Catalan and Roma (Gitano) culture. It also aims to dismantle stereotypes and to promote a broader understanding and appreciation of this vibrant musical tradition, helping to secure its recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.