A deep dive into Cuban culture and the people shaping the narrative today
(Camilo Cienfuegos) I wrote an article in this Summers issue of Preen on Camilo Cienfuegos, whom I call, "The Other Che". Camilo was a compelling figure in the Cuban Revolution who fought side by side in Fidel Castro's army. While others try to be like Che Guevara, truth is, Che really looked up to Camilo.…
Showing in Havana now. ("Walking Man" by Damian Aquiles) Got an email from a friend in Cuba who sent pics on this new installation. It's called "Memoria y Palabras" (Memories and Words) which is a perfect title considering ALL the things young artists have swimming in their heads right now for this little country fighting…
(East of Havana, at Florida International University) Back in February (the week Fidel Castro retired), I was invited to screen my documentary, East of Havana, at a Florida college and speak to some students on the state of affairs for Cuba today. By no means am I an expert. On the contrary, it seems that…
Festival Recommendation (Celia the Queen plays the Tribeca Film Festival on April 26, 2008) Meet the "Queen of Salsa", Celia Cruz. The trailer for the film is calm, reflective, and spans years of memories. It's a nice ride. (Celia The Queen Trailer). Celia was a complicated woman. She spent a lifetime representing Cuba on every…
King of Mambo Passes (Photographed inside his Coral Gables apartment in Miami) The inventor of Mambo dies at 89 years old this last Saturday. The original Mambo score is framed above his head here. His mass service is to be held in Miami today. In lieu of flowers, the Lopez family asks that you please…
