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The classic Cuban animated film Vampiros en La Habana will return to cinemas on the island, following Cuba's access to an original copy of the movie, safeguarded for decades by the Spanish Radio and Television Corporation (RTVE).
The news was confirmed this Tuesday by the president of the Cuban Institute of Art and Cinematographic Industry (Icaic), Alexis Triana, who described the event as "a great surprise of the summer," coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the premiere of this iconic film directed by the master of Cuban animation, Juan Padrón (1947-2020).
“We would like to thank Esther Elorza, head of Archive and Film Library Conservation at RTVE, as well as Álvaro Hernández and, especially, the supportive efforts of Ignaci Camós Victoria, Director General of the Institute of Cinema of Spain (ICAA),” Triana published on his Facebook profile.
The executive also emphasized the role of Silvia Padrón, daughter of the late filmmaker, and the La Manigua Project in efforts to allow the Cuban public to once again enjoy this work, which is regarded as a cult film within the island's animation cinema.
Vampires in Havana, the second feature film by Juan Padrón, premiered in July 1985 and has since been regarded as one of the most important films in national cinema, recognized both for its irreverent humor and its camouflaged social critique within a fantastic plot.
The story follows a conspiracy between two powerful vampire mafias — "Capa Nostra" in America and the "Grupo Vampiro" in Europe — to seize a revolutionary formula that allows them to withstand sunlight.
The film received multiple international awards, including the Third Coral Prize at the VII International Festival of New Latin American Cinema in Havana (1985) and the Diploma of Honor at the International Film Festival in Quito, Ecuador (1986). It was also honored in France and, in 1989, was selected as one of the 30 best animated films by the Cultural Council of the Spanish Film Institute.
The success of Vampires in Havana made it possible for the release of its sequel More Vampires in Havana! in 2003, also directed by Juan Padrón.
Although the exact dates for its screening in Cuban theaters have not been specified, Icaic assured that the film will return to the national circuit this summer in a restored version, allowing new generations to discover—and older audiences to relive—this gem of Cuban cinema.
It is expected that the return of Vampires in Havana will have a special impact amid the current shortages and difficulties facing the country, providing an opportunity for entertainment and nostalgia while honoring the legacy of Juan Padrón, an undeniable reference in animation in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the screening of "Vampires in Havana" and Cuban cinema
Why is the re-release of "Vampiros en La Habana" in Cuba relevant?
The re-release of "Vampires in Havana" is significant as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of its original premiere, allowing new generations to discover this masterpiece of Cuban animated cinema. The film is renowned for its irreverent humor and social critique, and its return to theaters is a tribute to the legacy of its director, Juan Padrón.
Who has facilitated the screening of the film in Cuba?
The screening of "Vampires in Havana" has been made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Spanish Radio and Television Corporation (RTVE) and the Spanish Film Institute (ICAA). The director of Preservation of the RTVE Archive, Esther Elorza, and the general director of the ICAA, Ignaci Camós Victoria, have played a key role in this process, along with the daughter of the director Juan Padrón, Silvia Padrón.
What is the plot of "Vampiros en La Habana" and its cultural relevance?
"Vampires in Havana" follows a conspiracy between vampire mafias from America and Europe over a formula that allows vampires to withstand sunlight. The film is a cult classic in Cuba, renowned for its subtle social critique and innovative animation style. It has received multiple international awards, highlighting its cultural significance both on and off the island.
What impact is expected from the re-release of "Vampiros en La Habana" in the current context of Cuba?
In the midst of the current economic and social difficulties in Cuba, the re-release of "Vampires in Havana" is expected to provide a breath of entertainment and nostalgia for the Cuban audience. Additionally, it serves as a homage to the legacy of Juan Padrón, which could rekindle interest in Cuban animated cinema.
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