A Beginner’s Guide to DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS – The Short Film
By Angelica Ruiz
“Mientras uno está vivo… uno tiene que amar lo más que pueda.”
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Bad Bunny. There are simply no words to describe the incredible artist that Bad Bunny is.
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, aka Bad Bunny, is among our generation's most inspirational and talented artists. He has transformed the Latino and global music scene, becoming the generation's voice while constantly paying homage to his Puerto Rican roots. His profound connection to his homeland is a source of cultural pride for many. From beginning his career as a trailblazer of the reggaeton scene to his unapologetic defiance against societal norms, Bad Bunny has created a realm where authenticity is genuinely remarkable. Despite his unwavering success and sold-out shows, Bad Bunny never fails to advocate for the struggles and political state of Puerto Rico and other social issues. Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio is an artist with a profound connection to his homeland—a storyteller who, in DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, lays his soul out for us, blending raw emotion with sharp cultural critique, engaging us in the joys, struggles, and resilience of Puerto Rican life.
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EL FiLM – A Visual Love Letter to Puerto Rico
We started the year with a groundbreaking start with the DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS drop on January 5, 2025. This album, Bad Bunny’s return to the music world in over a year, is not just another release but a significant milestone in his career, marking his sixth studio album. The 17-track album is accompanied by an introspective and incredibly inspirational short film surrounding themes found in the tracklist. Written and directed by Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio and Arí Maniel Cruz Suárez, the film stars Jacobo Morales and his trusty sidekick, Concho.
Stills from “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (Short Film)”
The short film opens with Jacobo Morales going through a memory box filled with pictures and recuerditos (keepsakes). As he lingers on each item, reliving fragments of his life, he voices a poignant regret: “Debí tirar más fotos.” Photographs, he explains, are living memories, tangible snapshots of moments that otherwise fade with time. His words carry a bittersweet weight—he wishes he had documented more of his life, for so much has slipped from his memory. Jacobo shares a beautiful message that I think is extremely important at this time in history: we should live to the fullest, we should love to the fullest, we should love more… while we still can. This message is not just a reflection of Jacobo's life but a call to action for all of us to embrace life and love with all our hearts.
Stills from “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (Short Film)”
The film takes us on an emotional journey alongside Jacobo as he wanders the streets of Puerto Rico, confronting the harsh realities of gentrification. Once vibrant neighborhoods, rich with Puerto Rican identity, are now overtaken by white families blaring unfamiliar music and grilling barbecue in spaces that once carried the aroma of traditional dishes. At a bakery he visits, the waitress speaks only English, unable to recognize or understand Puerto Rican cuisine. These moments weigh heavily on Jacobo, filling him (and me) with a deep, aching grief for the fading essence of Puerto Rico. But just as the heaviness begins to settle, the soulful sounds and infectious rhythms of Puerto Rican beats blast in the speakers of a passing car. The car is a symbol of hope. It acts as a potent reminder that with the resilience of Puerto Ricans and the solidarity of their allies, the tide of gentrification and cultural erasure can be challenged, and the heart of the island can still be preserved.
Stills from “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (Short Film)”
But the short film is only the beginning. While it sets the emotional and political stage, the album tells the whole story. In DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Bad Bunny translates these themes into music, crafting a soundtrack that captures the joys, heartbreaks, and resistance of Puerto Rican life.
Stills from “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (Short Film)”
So, let’s dive into the album itself—track by track.
Read Part Two: A Track-by-Track Breakdown of DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
