Breaking Barriers with Filmmaker Kristofer Ríos – Karol G, Reggaeton, and Representation

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About:

Welcome to "It's Messy, But It's So Good," the podcast that explores the captivating journeys of individuals following their passions and expanding through life's challenges.

Kristofer Rios Bio:
Kristofer Ríos is a journalist and documentary filmmaker from New York City. Most recently, he produced Karol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful for Netflix. He also co-directed and co-executive produced Menudo: Forever Young (HBOMax); a four-part investigative series about the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo. He’s an Emmy award-winning producer, and his work has been recognized by Sundance, the GLADD Media Awards, and the Edward R. Murrow Awards.

In this episode, I sit down with Emmy award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker Kristofer Ríos to talk about his latest project for Netflix: Karol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful. This powerful documentary captures the reggaeton superstar’s groundbreaking stadium tour and her journey as a Latina artist defying the odds in a male-dominated industry. Kristofer shares about the creative process behind the film, the importance of representation in media, and his own personal growth as a new father navigating the demands of life and storytelling.

 Key Takeaways:

• Karol G: Tomorrow Will Be Beautiful documents the first-ever stadium tour by a Latina artist, spanning the U.S., Latin America, and Europe.
• The film highlights the challenges Karol G has faced as a woman in the reggaeton industry and her drive to expand opportunities for Spanish-language content.
• Kristofer and his team sought to challenge industry norms and elevate Latinx stories on a global platform.
• Balancing the demands of fatherhood and filmmaking, Kristofer shares the emotional depth this project added to his life.

Documentary Overview

• Karol G’s rise as a reggaeton powerhouse
• Record-breaking achievements and tour highlights
• Gender dynamics within the reggaeton world

 

Cultural Impact

• Breaking boundaries for Spanish-language and subtitled content
• Netflix success: 1 in 19 countries and Top 10 in 27
• Advocating for diverse, inclusive storytelling in global media

Personal Growth & Fatherhood

• Welcoming a child during production and the support of his team
• How becoming a father shaped his perspective on storytelling and partnership
  
  

Looking Ahead

• Upcoming documentary on the Young Lords with filmmaker Carla Gutierrez
• New collaborations, including work with Masterclass.

Connect with Kristofer Ríos:
Follow Kristofer’s work and upcoming projects:
Instagram: @Kristofer.rios
Website: http://www.K-Rios.com

 IMDb:  Kristofer Rios

About Your Host

Fran Medina HWNC-BC is a Board-Certified Holistic Nurse and Life Coach with over 40 years of nursing experience in the art and science of Health and Healing. Fran is a certified facilitator of the Creative Clarity Catalyst Programs based on the Stanford University Creativity in Business MA course. Fran is a co-founder of the Conscious Connection, a creative arts, we