The prominent filmmaker, director, and sound engineer Jonal Cosculluela Sánchez passed away on Monday at the age of 47 in Havana, his hometown, as confirmed by the Cuban Institute of Art and Cinematographic Industry (ICAIC).
A graduate of FAMCA in 2010, Cosculluela gained recognition on Cuban television for producing series and dramatizations, and made his film debut with the feature film Esteban in 2016, a work that received numerous awards at international festivals.
So far, the causes of the young filmmaker's death have not been disclosed. In 2020, he directed the documentary Volverán los abrazos alongside Maritza Ceballos, set against the backdrop of the pandemic.
From the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), their colleagues expressed their condolences: “Our condolences and hugs to his family and friends.”
Additionally, film critic Juan Antonio García emphasized that Cosculluela's death is a painful loss, especially considering the promising path that still lay ahead of him. "With Esteban, he had already shown his credentials. There was much brilliance. We are left with his cinema," García asserted.
The Assembly of Cuban Filmmakers also joined in mourning, highlighting the closeness and impact he had on their artistic community.
"With Jonal, we shared time, work, jokes, and ideas... We remember his jokes and his distinctive way of facing challenges," they expressed in a statement posted on Facebook.
Jonal Cosculluela Sánchez (Havana, 1977 - Havana, October 28, 2024) left a profound mark on the cultural landscape of the country, it was emphasized.
A graduate of the Higher Institute of Art in 2010, Cosculluela began his career as a sound technician and editor at the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television before venturing into the world of film with his acclaimed feature film Esteban in 2016.
His work was recognized at various festivals, distinguished by its sensitivity and depth. In 2020, alongside Maritza Ceballos, he directed the documentary Volverán los abrazos, a touching testament to life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Among her filmography, the following stand out:
Aislados (2022) - by Yoe Pérez, Zenia Veigas, Maritza Ceballos, Sailín Carbonell (General Production)
"Embraces Will Return" (2021) - by Maritza Ceballos, Jonal Cosculluela
Just so you know how things are (2017) - by Jonal Cosculluela
Esteban (2015) - by Jonal Cosculluela
Voices of 1912 (2014) - by Jonal Cosculluela
The First Time (2011) - by Richard Abella (Editor)
Altocontraste (2010) - by Jonal Cosculluela
Room for Rent (2010) - by Jonathan C. S. (Jonal Cosculluela)
Asdrúbal (2008) - by Jonal Cosculluela
Magic (1999) - by Jonathan C. S. (Jonal Cosculluela)
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