Cuban cinema, it’s vibrant, exciting, creative and largely goes unrecognised. Following the revolution in 1959, Cuban cinema emerged and from the July 6-9, unknown gems from the archive, films focused on Cuba’s musical heritage and new works will be combined as part of the Barbican’s Cine Cuba, which in itself is part of Cuban Cultural Festival.
Kicking off the mini-fest will be Alejandro Brugues’ Personal Belongings whilst on the same night running throughout the event will be Tomas Gutierrez Alea’s Strawberry and Chocolate (Fresa y Chocolate). Considered a landmark film, it is the first Cuban film to receive an Oscar nod and was praised for it’s direction and revelatory plot. Strawberry and Chocolate showed how politics can shape lives, opinions and relationships and was the first to feature a gay man as the hero whilst openly criticising the government and it’s intolerance.
That’s just one of the many subjects covered in the event which will also feature a documentary showcase along with the most important films of Cuba’s history.
