Related videos:
The Cuban regime placed actress and activist Kiriam Gutiérrez under house arrest to prevent her from attending the premiere of her film "Matar a un hombre," which was censored during the 45th International Festival of New Latin American Cinema in Havana.
In a statement to Cubanet, the artist said that she received a call from a State Security agent who "in a threatening tone told me that I should withdraw from the film," a short film produced at the International School of Film and Television in San Antonio de los Baños.
"I believe this is political repression, and as an actress and filmmaker, I have the right to defend my film, to defend the cinema I create, and, of course, to attend the venues where my work is shown," commented Gutiérrez, who co-stars in the 12-minute film.
He explained that the film, directed by Orlando Mora Cabrera, is inspired by a true story. In just 12 minutes, it tackles the issue of the concealed homosexuality of a member of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), which has scandalized the regime.
The short film was excluded from the International Film Festival of Havana under the pretext of the blackouts affecting the island. However, on Wednesday, the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba screened the film, and Gutierrez was unable to attend the showing.
The actor and filmmaker Walter Cordero, general producer at Compañía Pura Vida, denounced the house arrest of his colleague, expressing that it made him "very angry."
"The dictatorship of the Cuban government insists on demonstrating its power and impunity. It's time for us as artists to put aside our complacency," he commented in a Facebook post.
In early July, the actress was also excluded from the event "La Reina de la Copla," organized by the Venus Drag Queen project at the Cubanacán cabaret in Santa Clara.
Gutierrez is the first trans woman from Cuba to receive a regional "Suncoast" Emmy Award for her participation in the documentary series "Ser Trans," produced by Martí Noticias.
The 47-year-old actress was also the first transgender woman to enter Cuban cinema and television. She is the star of the music video "Lola," which was filmed nearly 20 years ago by the then-popular group Moneda Dura.
Frequently Asked Questions about Censorship and Repression in Cuba
Why did the Cuban regime place Kiriam Gutiérrez under house arrest?
The Cuban regime placed Kiriam Gutiérrez under house arrest to prevent him from attending the premiere of the short film "Killing a Man." The film, which explores the covert homosexuality of a National Revolutionary Police officer, was censored at the 45th International Festival of New Latin American Cinema in Havana, a subject the regime deems scandalous.
What is the theme of the short film "Killing a Man" and why was it censored?
The short film "Killing a Man," directed by Orlando Mora Cabrera, addresses the issue of hidden homosexuality within the Revolutionary National Police. The Cuban regime censored the film, deeming it scandalous due to its theme, which reflects the lack of tolerance and repression towards sexual diversity in the country.
What has Kiriam Gutiérrez's journey been like in the artistic and activist fields?
Kiriam Gutiérrez is a Cuban actress and activist known for her fight in defense of LGBTIQ+ rights. She is the first trans woman from Cuba to receive an Emmy Award in the regional "Suncoast" category for her participation in the documentary series "Ser Trans." Additionally, she has been a trailblazer in entering Cuban cinema and television as a trans woman.
What has been Kiriam Gutiérrez's response to the censorship and repression of the Cuban regime?
Kiriam Gutiérrez has publicly denounced the political repression she faces, stating that she has the right to defend her work and attend the venues where her work is showcased. She views these actions as political repression and has expressed her outrage and frustration over the censorship she encounters in her home country.
Filed under: