Blast Beat (film)

Blast Beat is a 2020 American coming-of-age drama film directed by Esteban Arango, in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Mateo Arias, Moises Arias, Diane Guerrero, Daniel Dae Kim, and Kali Uchis. The story centers on two Colombian-American teenage brothers, Carly and Mateo, whose family plans to relocate from Colombia to the United States in the summer of 1999.

Carly, the elder brother, is obsessed with heavy metal music, specifically the grindcore subgenre, and dreams of attending the Florida Institute of Technology to work for NASA. Mateo is more introspective and struggles to adapt to the impending move, seeking connection and purpose in his new environment. The film explores themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, ambition, and the challenges of assimilation as the brothers navigate the complexities of their transition to American life and pursue their individual passions. Blast Beat premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the NEXT Innovator Award.