The first documentary dedicated to the life and work of the legendary Cuban-American artist Willy Chirino premiered this Friday at the historic Olympia theater, as part of the Miami Film Festival.
Titled simply "Chirino", the production directed by Jorge Soliño offers an intimate journey through the personal and artistic history of the performer of "Nuestro día ya viene llegando", one of the great icons of Cuban exile music.
From his childhood in Consolación del Sur to his rise as a leading figure in tropical music in the United States, the documentary captures emotional and pivotal moments of his life.
One of the most striking segments is the footage of the artist's childhood home in Cuba, obtained despite the restrictions of the Cuban regime. "When I saw them, it was like reliving my childhood," Chirino expressed, visibly moved.
The documentary also addresses his arrival in the United States through the Pedro Pan Operation, along with another 14,000 Cuban children, and how that experience shaped his commitment to Cuba's freedom and his cultural identity.
The film features prominent figures such as Carlos Oliva, Paquito D'Rivera, Emilio Estefan, Albita, Arturo Sandoval, Aymée Nuviola, and Leoni Torres, who share their memories and admiration for the artist's legacy, as reported by Telemundo 51.
The legacy of a musician from exile
Willy Chirino, who in 2023 celebrated his 50 years in the music industry, has been a constant voice for the freedom of Cuba. In several interviews, he has advocated for the moral duty of exiled artists to denounce the repression on the island. “If you are Cuban, you have the obligation to raise your voice,” the musician recently stated.
In another conversation, he acknowledged that he never imagined his music would have such a profound impact on the Cuban community both on and off the island. “I never imagined my music would have that impact,” he said in an interview in February 2024.
His song “Soy” was recently used as a symbol of protest by young Cubans, and the original manuscript of “Viene llegando” is on display today as a testament to a story of struggle and hope.
With the premiere of this documentary, Willy Chirino reaffirms his place as one of the pillars of Cuban exile culture, and his story continues to inspire new generations who dream of a free Cuba.
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