PLAY PODCASTS
Breaking Barriers with Filmmaker Kristofer Ríos – Karol G, Reggaeton, and Representation
Episode 34

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

It's Messy But It's So Good

June 10, 20251h 1m

Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (traffic.libsyn.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.

Show Notes

Gift: Subscribe to Fran's newsletter and receive a FREE Toolkit: Calm Your Anxiety Instantly. Designed to give you 5 tools to quickly regulate your emotions and nervous system.

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, wellness and healing network in Hudson Valley, NY. Fran holds certifications in many healing and holistic modalities.

Contact

Website: www.franmedinacoaching.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @franmedinacoaching Facebook: Francine Medina

With Love

Fran Medina RN, Empowerment Coach