Promotional illustration of the event
The Cubans - ever since it has appeared on the Island the invention by the Lumiere brothers - adore the so called Seventh Art. A majority as simple (but well informed) spectators and a meager minority as directors.
There have been national productions throughout the entire 20th century, however, we can speak about a commercial Cuban cinema since the 1940s, whereas the real breakthrough as industry happened in the 1960s.
To encourage and promote audiovisual productions various cinematographic festivals take place in different cities of the country, the one being held by the Casa de Cultura of the Cuban municipality of Plaza since 1984 being the most ancient one. The Festival which was first held annually nowadays is hold bi-annualy and always with a nation-wide outreach. This year it's celebrating its seventh anniversary, dedicated to the Year of the Afro Descendants.
The agenda of the event, which will take place between October 20-23 at the above mentioned Casa de Cultura of Plaza and at the movie theater Acapulco, will raise the topic "Racial Identities and Community in Cuban Audiovisuals", which most likely will generate new approaches and debates of high interest for the social dialogue.
Apart of the regular performances the Festival Cine Plaza holds expositions as well as troubadour and homage concerts - such as the one of the famous singer Carlos Varela - and will close October 23 with the awards ceremony and a closing concert by "Tren de la Música Cubana", the orchestra of Juan Formell and the Van Van, starting at 8pm in the patio of Casa de Cultura.
If you would like to get to know the current health state of Cuban cinema - not only of the official, but also the alternative one - you absolutely need to attend the performances of two events: The Muestra de los Jóvenes Realizadores and the Festival Cine Plaza.
Details:
Casa de Cultura de Plaza
Calzada y Ocho, Vedado, La Habana.
T: (+53-7) 831 2023, (+53-7) 833 8815, (+53-7) 830 9680
