Singer, songwriter, musician. Acclaimed actor, Harvard-educated lawyer, successful politician. The life and career of Rubén Blades has taken anything but the expected, well-trodden path. On the cusp of retiring as a performer, salsa's renaissance man takes an honest and unflinching look back on a life rich with triumph, heartbreak, and above all, a deep and unshakable love for his people. From his childhood in Panama and a political awakening spurred by the sovereignty riots of Jan. 9, 1964, to a redefinition of salsa music itself by bringing a social dimension and commentary to the form, Blades has always followed his heart. Featuring electrifying footage from his final tour, as well as testimonials from icons such as Paul Simon, Sting, Francisco "Bush" Buckley, and Junot Díaz, Ruben Blades Is Not My Name is a testament to a rare talent whose restless heart has indeed helped change the world.

In competition for the CV Cine and FIPRESCI Awards.