Making Movies

Making Movies is the Latin Grammy–nominated group led by Enrique Chi — born in Santiago, Panamá, and raised in the American Midwest — forging a sound guided by tradition, yet unmistakably its own.

The band has been described by Rolling Stone as “an eclectic blend of rumbero percussion, delicate organs, and grungy fuzz,” while NPR calls the project “perhaps one of the most unique groups around today.

”Making Movies’ lauded catalog includes collaborations with Rubén Blades, Asdru Sierra (Ozomatli), Mireya Ramos (Flor de Toloache), and David Hidalgo (Los Lobos). Most notably, Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) has served as a guiding force for the band — functioning as a spiritual band member, producer, and mentor.

Live performances are anchored in the rich rhythmic traditions of Panamá and delivered with the force of a psychedelic rock show. At the center is Chi’s performance on the mejorana, a rare Panamanian folkloric instrument woven into a modern psychedelic context and pushed through distortion and reverb.

Making Movies tours internationally, having shared stages with Los Lobos, Rubén Blades, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Ozomatli, Rubén Albarrán, Enjambre, and Maldita Vecindad.

New album Una Vida out Fall 2026.