The renowned Cuban filmmaker Lester Hamlet launched a strong critique of the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, questioning not only his legitimacy as a leader but also the lack of leadership that, according to him, characterizes present-day Cuba. The message was published with sharp intent on the same day as the 65th birthday of the head of state this Sunday.
In a country where for decades the figure of the leader has been exalted as the guide of the people, Hamlet's words resonate like a jolt in the soul of a society that, according to him, has been driven to isolation, political orphanhood, and collective frustration.
"Díaz-Canel, who has no leadership. Who has no followers. Who was put there.", the director states, with a tone more diagnostic than accusatory, pointing to a ruler who, in his words, does not represent the will of the people, but rather the interests of those who placed him in power.
For Hamlet, the Cuban drama is not limited to material shortages or even political repression. The true collapse, he says, is moral and symbolic. "The worst part is that there is no leadership. There is no voice", he laments.
In his words, there isn't even a mirage to cling to. “At least I have felt mirages with some people”, he admits, but Cuba, today, is alone. “They have no one to believe in”, he adds.
The video, shared on social media without any context, comes across as a cry from within, a confession to the camera. It is not only a critique of Díaz-Canel but of a system that, according to the filmmaker, has left the Cuban people without references, without a compass, and without a real project.
"They were made to believe all along that the important thing was to defend a common project. And no one took care of their family. No one created wealth to support their family, no one developed... In pursuit of a future that became stuck. In a promise. That is frustrating," concludes Hamlet.
What amplifies the impact of this intervention is the chosen moment, the day of Díaz-Canel's birthday. A date that in official media is often filled with praise, propaganda, and a cult of leadership. However, Hamlet flips the script; instead of congratulations, he delivers a fierce critique.
The filmmaker, who arrived in the United States in 2022, after having reported that he had been exiled by the Cuban government, emphasized in the short clip that the people have no motives or reasons to follow him.
"He does not owe his position to the people. He will protect those who put him there. It's like the snake that bites its own tail.", he concludes, revealing a logic of power that is closed off from itself, impermeable to popular legitimacy.
The criticism of Hamlet does not arise from the periphery, but from the very core of the Cuban cultural system. For years, he was a prominent figure in state cinema and television, directing films like Casa Vieja and telenovelas such as You. However, his relationship with official institutions gradually deteriorated. In 2021, his film Casa Vieja was banned from Cuban television on Culture Day, without clear explanations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lester Hamlet's Critique of the Government of Cuba
What is the main criticism that Lester Hamlet has towards Díaz-Canel?
Lester Hamlet criticizes Díaz-Canel for his lack of leadership and for not representing the will of the Cuban people. According to Hamlet, Díaz-Canel is in power to protect the interests of those who placed him there, and he does not respond to the needs of the people. This reflects a leadership void in Cuba, where the population feels isolated and lacks clear political references.
How does Lester Hamlet describe the current situation in Cuba?
Hamlet describes the situation in Cuba as a moral and symbolic collapse, beyond just material shortages or political repression. According to him, the Cuban people have been pushed into isolation and collective frustration, without a real project and without a voice to cling to.
What symbolism does Hamlet's message hold in coincidence with Díaz-Canel's birthday?
The message from Hamlet, released on Díaz-Canel's birthday, stands in stark contrast to the official media's tradition of praising the leader on that date. Instead of congratulations, Hamlet delivers a fierce critique, emphasizing that there are no reasons to celebrate a leadership that, in his view, lacks popular legitimacy.
What has Díaz-Canel said about the criticisms of his government?
Díaz-Canel has reacted to the criticism by accusing his detractors of being part of a campaign against the revolution. He has expressed feeling shame for Cubans who criticize his management on social media, attributing those criticisms to external manipulation and the disdain of the United States.
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