Cuban Films
the films coming out of Cuba are ripe with with the intensity, drama, passion and humor that we love so much about this culture. Cubans are cinephiles and thier films show you why. These are some of our favorites.
** Streaming access and free content changes frequently. We have put streaming / rental info and links where possible, but please excuse us if they are out of date. Regardless, a bit of sleuthing online should be able to get you any of these great movies.
Yuli
Iciar Bollain, 2018
A biography of the the iconic ballet dancer Carlos Acosta that tracks him from his early years growing up in Havana, into the highly regarded conservatory system in Cuba and ultimately to becoming the principle dancer at the Royal Ballet in London. A incredible look at life in Cuba and the privileges and challenges of being an artist there. This is one of our favorite films about life in Cuba and what it means to be so intimately connected to a culture and people.
Streaming on HBO & Hulu
Fresa Y Chocolate
Tomás Gutiérrez Alea y Juan Carlos Tabío, 1995
An iconic film set in the 70s and 80s about a friendship that arrises between a gay artist and a structured pro-communist. It looks at the social structures of the time and how those can also fall away. The only Cuban film to be nominated for an Oscar, this film is referenced across Cuban culture.
Free link (not great but surprisingly all we could find)
Buena Vista Social CLub
Wim Wenders, 1999
The film that re-launched Cuban music onto the world stage. A documentary film by Wim Wenders that follows Ry Cooder and his son Joachim as they explore the music of Cuba and gather a band of greats, who ultimately become the face of Cuban music. One of our travelers and future residents, master luthier Flip Scipio, was Ry’s assistant on the world tour and took care of all of the guitars. We now love it all the more!
Streaming on HBO and Hulu and rentable on various platforms
Vampiros en La Habana
Juan Padrón, 1985
A cartoon based in the 1930s during the Machado regime about a vampire sent to the sunniest place on earth to test a potion to allow vampires to live in the sun. Featuring a trumpet forward soundtrack with Arturo Sandoval, this movie is cheeky and absurd (and therefore very Cuban). A cartoon, but full of political references and cultural commentary. Every Cuban knows this film and if you know it too, you will hear quotes from it thrown into conversation, “muuuuuuchacho.”
Rentable on Amazon Prime or free YouTube link (not great)
Una Noche
Lucy Mulloy, 2012
A film about the dream of leaving Cuba for the U.S. and the all too well known escape via raft. Focused on one day and night, this film looks at the harsh realities Cubans have faced over the years and the painful steps they go through when deciding to leave.
Rentable on various platforms