A patriotic lunch has been organized in Miami for July 20, with the aim of raising funds for a film dedicated to denouncing the Military Support Units for Production (UMAP), forced internment camps established by the Cuban regime in the 1960s.
The announcement was shared on social media this Monday by filmmaker Lilo Vilaplana, who expressed gratitude for the support received: “We will see you at this event on July 20. Thank you all for supporting the film project about the UMAP.”
The initiative, titled “From Pain, Dignity,” will take place at 12:00 p.m. at Tower Road Ranch, located at 22051 SW 192nd Ave., Miami, Florida 33170, with a general admission of $50, fully allocated to the funding of the film.
The production will be led by Vilaplana, along with Reinol Rodríguez and Rubén Dávila, the creators of the feature film Plantadas, which has been internationally recognized for highlighting the repression against political prisoners in Cuba.
This new film aims to bring to light the silenced story of the thousands of Cubans who were sent to the UMAP for ideological, religious, or sexual reasons, or simply for not conforming to the model of the "new man."
During lunch, a special tribute will also be held for the imprisoned political prisoners in commemoration of their day.
The event is part of a broader campaign that includes online fundraising through GoFundMe, titled "UMAP. The Movie," which has already raised 95 percent of the proposed amount.
With this new production, its organizers aim to continue the work of recovering historical memory, denouncing the crimes committed by the Cuban regime against thousands of citizens forcibly interned in these units under inhumane conditions.
Vilaplana has demonstrated for years his commitment to a type of art that denounces the atrocities committed by the Cuban regime against humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Patriotic Lunch and the Film about the UMAP
What is the purpose of the patriotic lunch in Miami?
The patriotic lunch aims to raise funds for the production of a film about the Military Units for Aid to Production (UMAP) in Cuba. This event seeks to raise awareness and denounce the abuses committed in these forced confinement camps established by the Cuban regime in the 1960s.
Who is leading the project for the film about the UMAP?
The film project is led by filmmaker Lilo Vilaplana, alongside Reinol Rodríguez and Rubén Dávila. These creators have already been recognized for their work on the feature film Plantadas, which highlights the repression against female political prisoners in Cuba.
Why is it important to tell the story of the UMAP?
Telling the story of the UMAP is crucial for reclaiming historical memory and denouncing the crimes of the Cuban regime. The UMAP were forced labor camps where thousands of people were confined for ideological, religious, sexual reasons, or simply for not conforming to the model of the "new man." The film aims to shed light on this dark and lesser-known chapter of Cuban history.
How can support be provided for the production of the film about the UMAP?
You can support the film's production by participating in the patriotic lunch and contributing to the online fundraising campaign through GoFundMe. The campaign has already raised 95% of the proposed amount, and any additional contributions will help complete the necessary funding for the project.
What impact has Lilo Vilaplana's work had on socially conscious cinema?
Lilo Vilaplana has had a significant impact on socially engaged cinema by bringing attention to the repression in Cuba through his films. His work "Plantadas" has been internationally recognized for its focus on the repression against political female prisoners, and his new projects, such as the one about the UMAP, promise to continue exposing the injustices of the Cuban regime.
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