New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Brings the Funk to Mexico City in Make It Funky

The unmistakable sounds of New Orleans will resonate in Mexico City this month as the acclaimed documentary Make It Funky! takes center stage at a special screening hosted by Mexico’s Horizonte 107.9 FM. The event, celebrating the station’s 25th anniversary, will be held on February 18 at the renowned Cineteca Nacional de México.

The screening is being organized with the support of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive, which now houses the Michael Murphy archive collection. The foundation’s involvement highlights its ongoing commitment to preserving and promoting the musical legacy of New Orleans. Through this collaboration, the rhythms and cultural richness of the Crescent City will reach new audiences across borders.

Make It Funky!, directed by Michael Murphy, is a vibrant celebration of New Orleans music, showcasing the city’s profound influence on jazz, funk, R&B, and beyond. Featuring legendary artists such as Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, and The Neville Brothers, the film captures the spirit and resilience of New Orleans’ musical community.

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive has played a pivotal role in ensuring the preservation of this cultural treasure. By acquiring the Michael Murphy archive collection, the foundation continues its work documenting the region’s musical history while fostering global connections.

The Cineteca Nacional de México, where the screening will take place, is one of Latin America’s most prestigious film institutions. Established in 1974, it holds an extensive archive of over 12,000 films and serves as a cultural hub for cinema lovers. The venue’s selection of Make It Funky! underscores the universal appeal of New Orleans music and the global reach of the city’s cultural story.

As New Orleans continues to share its rich musical traditions with the world, partnerships like this exemplify the mission of the Jazz & Heritage Foundation: preserving the past while building bridges for the future.

For those interested in experiencing the sounds and stories that shaped modern music, the Make It Funky! trailer is available here and below.