In a new chapter of financing for the Cuban regime under the guise of cultural collaboration, Cuba and Russia signed an agreement on Saturday to carry out joint animation projects, an alliance aimed at reviving the production of "muñequitos" between Havana and Moscow.
The news was announced in a post on Facebook by Alexis Triana, president of the Cuban Institute of Art and Cinematographic Industry (ICAIC), who celebrated the signing of the agreement as a "significant working arrangement" between the institution he leads, its animation studios, and the Russian studio Soyuzmultfilm.
Triana thanked Boris Mashkovtsev, director of Soyuzmultfilm, and the Ministry of Culture of Russia, emphasizing that it is the first animation studio in Europe, founded in 1936 and "rescued eight years ago for the benefit of the art and culture of our peoples."
Among the immediate actions planned, both parties agreed to invite Russian representatives to the 9th Summer Film Festival in Havana, where the Cuba Anima event will be revived.
Additionally, Cuban animators will participate in the Animated Film Festival to be held in Moscow at the end of October, while plans for future joint projects are being considered.
While the Cuban population daily faces shortages and an economic crisis, the regime is now betting on new "puppets" as part of its strategy for political and cultural survival, further tightening its ties with its historic ally in the Kremlin.
According to Cubadebate, the agreement was a "transcendental" event and a reflection of the "mutual interest" of Cuba and Russia in strengthening their cultural collaboration.
The signing of the agreement between Cuba and Russia to carry out joint animation projects fits into a broader dynamic of growing dependence of Havana on Moscow.
In recent months, both governments have strengthened their strategic alliance in various critical areas for the Cuban regime, amid the decline of the national economic situation.
Among the recent agreements, the commitment to promote the use of the ruble in bilateral trade stands out, driven by the Central Bank of Russia and the state corporation Rostec, as part of a strategy to reduce dependence on the US dollar.
Meanwhile, Havana has deepened its economic and political subordination to Moscow through new joint projects and strategic alignments.
The collaboration also extends to the fields of education and infrastructure. In a symbolic and structural gesture, the island inaugurated the first branch of a Russian university, while new agreements facilitated the introduction of Moskvitch taxis into the Cuban transportation system.
In the defense sector, it was confirmed that Cuban cadets will receive training at a Russian academy, which reinforces Russian military influence in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Animation Agreement between Cuba and Russia
What does the animation agreement between Cuba and Russia entail?
Cuba and Russia have signed an agreement to carry out joint animation projects, with the aim of reviving the production of "muñequitos" in collaboration between Havana and Moscow. This agreement includes the participation of Cuban animation studios alongside the Russian studio Soyuzmultfilm.
What are the immediate actions planned following the animation agreement?
After the signing of the agreement, the participation of Russian representatives in the 9th Summer Film Festival in Havana has been planned, where the Cuba Anima event will be reissued. Additionally, Cuban animators will participate in the Animated Film Festival in Moscow at the end of October.
What is the Cuban government aiming for with this animation agreement with Russia?
The Cuban government seeks to utilize animation production as part of its strategy for political and cultural survival, strengthening ties with its historical ally, Russia. Through this collaboration, it aims to bolster its cultural influence while facing an economic crisis and resource shortages.
What is the historical significance of the cultural relationship between Cuba and Russia?
The cultural relationship between Cuba and Russia has deep historical roots, reinforced by decades of strategic cooperation. In recent times, both countries have intensified their collaboration across various areas, including culture, as a reflection of their mutual interests and strengthened political relationship.
Filed under: