Submitted by Jack Litrell--On Feb. 10 and 11, The Haida Gwaii Film Society is presenting two award-winning Cuban films: "Sin Embargo: Never The Less" by Judith Grey, and "La Vida es Silbar" (Life is to Whistle) by Fernando Perez. The films are in Spanish with English subtitles.
Sin Embargo: Never The Less is a documentary filmed entirely in Cuba. The US economic embargo of Cuba which came into full force in 1963 was designed to isolate the island and overthrow Castro. Now, over 40 years later, the embargo is still in place with even tighter restrictions imposed by the current US administration.
What this film shows is that the Cuban people have not been crushed, but have created a culture of resourcefulness and creativity. While our culture sits atop an ever expanding pile of trash, the Cubans use their cast-offs in imaginative ways. In one scene a man shows how he makes bicycle tubes from used truck tubes. There's a shop where you can get your toilet repaired and returned with a guarantee. By recycling their past the Cubans have moved forward to a better life where sharing and optimism have strengthened their island community. 49 minutes.
La Vida es Silbar (Life is to Whistle) - This comic and surreal drama is a colourful portrait of Cuba at the end of the millennium. The three main characters, Elpidio the drummer, Mariana the ballet dancer, and Julia the nurse all struggle to find happiness in the hustle and chaos of Havana. Latin sexuality, classic Cuban music, and lush visuals draw you into a world where the past and present are blurred in a landscape infused with symbolism. The stories are woven together by a mysterious narrator who delivers her insights from under the sea. The film is a magical look into the psyche of Cuba delivered in an earthy, sensual style. 106 minutes.
This film contains adult situations not suitable for young children.
Together these two films present contrasting points of view of the intriguing island of Cuba.
Film showings:
o Friday, Feb. 10 Skidegate United Church
o Saturday, Feb 11 Masset - Green Church
o Doors open at 7 pm both nights.