The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentFilmThe Latest

Film Review: ‘Más Fuerte’ Turns Up The Volume on a Silenced Culture

by Gillian Rivera June 14, 2018
by Gillian Rivera June 14, 2018 0 comments
5.6K

While tucked away along the East River in my Greenpoint apartment, I am often awoken at unspeakable hours. Music, loud and heavy with bass, erupts from a passing car. While many are frustrated by this brief interruption, I tend to smile to myself as I feel the sounds vibrating from the street.

Previous to experiencing this film, my knowledge about these blaring vehicles was surface level, leaving me oblivious to the cultural importance that lies within these sounds. During visits to family in Puerto Rico, I’ve noticed cars stacked with speakers, DIY style. While this sight never felt significant, it takes on new characteristics in Puerto Rico’s neighboring island. Hop over to the Dominican Republic, this image is intensified, as it is firmly ingrained into their culture. But when these sounds and bass are transplanted to New York City, a town bursting with Latin influence, the cultural importance is stripped away by the rigidity of NYC rules. Director Sean Frank captures this fight in his short film, shedding light on the underground scene that spans the city’s five boroughs and the efforts behind keeping a culture alive.

The boldness of the Dominican culture is no secret. It is a vibrant island fueled by rhythm and sound. In Frank’s 10 minute project, in partnership with Presidente Beer, he captures this image, trailing these “musicologists” back to their roots in the DR. The pride in the eyes of his subjects is captivating, giving clarity to those unfamiliar with this world about the meaning behind these sound systems. These beats provide a commonality, a calling to gather and celebrate. On the island, the brightness of the culture is met seamlessly with the bold bass. Bring this to New York, and this expression becomes garish and lurid, an abrasive disruption to nearly everyone else. In the film, we catch a glimpse of this, where a cluster of these vehicles are being surrounded and questioned by police. Though the brevity of the film does not allow for a deep delve into the politics of the issue, a light is cast on a significant occurrence in this community and the issues that are hidden before our very eyes, or rather, ears.

The story told by Frank was compact but bursting with energy. While I would have hoped for a chance to reach deeper into this idea, each facet to this story was given an opportunity to be seen. From the behind the scenes of the lifestyle and its roots to the problems the culture is facing 1,500 miles away in New York, the visual opens eyes to a piece of this loud island. With the knowledge I have now, I’ll be sure to smile a little more when I hear the bass booming from down the street. Remember, “Es ritmo, no ruido”, it’s rhythm, not noise.

QUEENS, NY - JUNE 09: A view of Presidente beers on ice at the 'Más Fuerte' film premiere on June 9, 2018 in Long Island City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Presidente)
QUEENS, NY - JUNE 09: A view of Presidente signage decor at the 'Más Fuerte' film premiere on June 9, 2018 in Long Island City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Presidente)
QUEENS, NY - JUNE 09: Guests enjoy refreshing Presidente beers, Dominican cuisine and experience custom speaker vans at the 'Más Fuerte' film premiere on June 9, 2018 in Long Island City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Presidente)
QUEENS, NY - JUNE 09: A.CHAL performs as guests enjoy refreshing Presidente beers, Dominican cuisine and experience custom speaker vans at the 'Más Fuerte' film premiere on June 9, 2018 in Long Island City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Presidente)
QUEENS, NY - JUNE 09: Jose Ortiz enjoys refreshing Presidente beers, Dominican cuisine and experience custom speaker vans at the 'Más Fuerte' film premiere on June 9, 2018 in Long Island City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Presidente)
QUEENS, NY - JUNE 09: A view of a custom speaker van at the 'Más Fuerte' film premiere sponsored by Presidente on June 9, 2018 in Long Island City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Presidente)
QUEENS, NY - JUNE 09: Nelson Hidalgo and director Sean Frank enjoy refreshing Presidente beers, Dominican cuisine and experience custom speaker vans at the 'Más Fuerte' film premiere on June 9, 2018 in Long Island City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Presidente)
QUEENS, NY - JUNE 09: A view of a Presidente beer on a display at the 'Más Fuerte' film premiere on June 9, 2018 in Long Island City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Presidente)
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Gillian Rivera

previous post
Experimental Toronto Artist Omari Jabari Drops “Homesick”
next post
5-Day Pop-Up “Pride Place” Launches for NYC Pride

Related Posts

Hedda Is The Truth

October 29, 2025

Hello Sunshine’s Third Annual Shine Away

October 29, 2025

The Pink Agenda’s Annual Gala at Tribeca Rooftop

October 28, 2025

PB Brasserie: Where French Elegance Meets African Soul...

October 28, 2025

A Marvelous Night of Fundraising at Angel Ball

October 28, 2025

pH-1 Knows Exactly What He’s Doing: A Full-Length...

October 28, 2025

W Hotels Hosts the “Whatever Whenever Diner”

October 28, 2025

The Knockturnal’s 2025 Fall Cocktail Round

October 27, 2025

Kathy Hilton Unwraps Her Perfect Holiday Shopping List...

October 27, 2025

GrannyCart Giggle Hour hosts a Spooktacularly Sexy Halloween...

October 27, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch