Independent Cuban Cinema

       I recently came across an interesting series of short films directed by Eduardo Del Llano, with notable actors Luis Alberto Garcia, and Nestor Jiménez. Taking into account the transformation of  Cuban Cinema as a weapon of social propaganda during the 1960s, or the foreign film makers who aim to portray Cuba for an exile audience, these films explore Cuban life and culture through a rather nonpartisan lens.  The creators seek an artistic, humorous reality that is genuine to the island.

        Luis Alberto Garcia plays different characters through these numerous short films, however he maintains the name of Nicanor, while  Nestor Jiménez appropriates the alias of Rodrigo. This particular clip below develops around an investigation of pain by  European Contemporary artists "Rodrigo", who aims to capture 100 photographs of Cuba's most renounced artists, however they must show evidence of  physical pain because "the agony of an artists is invisible to the eye". Rodrigo hires Nicanor, a working class man, as the torturer who is to inflict the injuries on       the 100 artist who desperately want to appear in Rodrigo's work. 

        This next clip provides a sarcastic, and     humorous critique on Cuba's freedom of speech, lack of individual privacy,  and resources. Enjoy!

       







      The following clip takes place in the Cuba of the 1970s: a time on which the first generation who became of age with the Revolution felt optimistic, and passionate about the ideals of socialism and their new
 government. I will continue to share material on this series on upcoming blogs. Enjoy!