Playing at the Omni Theater at The Museum of Science in Boston
By Alberto Vasallo, III
It is promoted as “the powerful story of a land preserved in time, yet poised on the cusp of dramatic change…Cuba will transport you across breathtaking landscapes, under the ocean surface to iridescent reefs, and into streets pulsating with music and dance in the heart of Havana”.
And yes, it does that. It does it in magnificent color, incredible cinematography and with beautiful storytelling qualities.
I was asked to say a few words before the screening of it about a week and half ago in front of a very diverse group of guests that included great people from the Museum of Science, members of the Cuban community of Boston, media colleagues and folks from the tourism industry.
I knew going into the film that it would not be political and that it would focus more on the natural beauty of the mysterious island and on the incredibly diverse, warm, resilient people that reside there. I also knew it would be met with speculation from many who had left the island as political exiles after the Castro communist revolution of 1959 and/or from those of my generation – the ones who had grown up hearing about Cuba through our parents, who came to America seeking the freedoms and rights not allowed in their homeland.
At the end of the day, I also knew it would probably be a tool to promote tourism to Cuba.
It was exactly that and more.
It did accomplish what is said it would. The film does transport you “across breathtaking landscapes, under the ocean surface to iridescent reefs, and into streets pulsating with music and dance in the heart of Havana.”
It does reveal why this island-nation in the Caribbean continues to stir the imagination of the world like no other. And it does present Cuba as a natural oasis and it does perk your interest in visiting this unique place. From that point of view it is a masterpiece, wonderfully created to make you want to make Havana your next vacation destination.
What it does not do, (aside from a few panoramic shots of severely decaying and crumbling buildings in the heart of Havana), is tell the story of a nation deprived of many basic benefits and amenities that we take for granted here in America. It does not get into the political and economic challenges faced by the average Cuban who has developed an unmatched resilience and ingenuity through necessity more than anything else.
I get it. I really do. That’s not what the film was meant to do. In part I admit I share some of the frustrations of those who view it as a promotional propaganda piece to simply promote tourism in a way that enriches an oppressive regime.
But for me, it was actually a very emotional experience as I have never been to Cuba and seeing it filmed this way, made it a very vivid and moving piece. My daughter couldn’t make it that night so I’ll probably go back and take her to see it and I’ll watch it again.
Why? Because as long as she understands that there is much more to Cuba than what this film presents, it’s ok. As long as Alex knows the true history, the struggles of Cubans and the toll communism has had on this once and truly beautiful island – then it’s ok. I know she will still enjoy the incredible sights and sounds CUBA captures – because I must give credit where credit is due – the filmmakers did do an amazing job of film-making. Kudos to them.
So, if you are curious about Cuba, by all means go and see CUBA at the Museum of Science and hopefully that will also spark your interest in the entire story around this magical place that for many of us is still so close, yet so very far away.
CUBA is playing at the Museum of Science, OMNI theater through the end of June, but could run longer.
Alberto Vasallo, III is President & CEO of El Mundo Boston, New England’s oldest and most recognized Latino media outlet. His father, Alberto, is a native of Havana, Cuba.
