Four years after the historic protests of July 11, 2021, in Cuba, the documentary "Patria y Vida", directed by Spanish filmmaker Beatriz Luengo, arrives in theaters in Miami-Dade to amplify the denunciation against the regime's repression and keep the flame of change alive.
The film, which will initially be screened in 10 theaters in South Florida, is inspired by the eponymous song that became an anthem for the popular protests that shook the day amid a humanitarian crisis and growing social discontent.
"This is a story of today and it's a film that has a call to action. People leave the cinema feeling what they can do," Luengo expressed in an interview with the EFE agency.
The 90-minute documentary reconstructs the creation of the song and examines its impact on the events that led to the arrest of more than 1,400 people, many of whom are still in prison.
For its producer, the Cuban singer Yotuel Romero, this premiere in the United States signifies a new phase in the fight for a free Cuba. "I want to show the world that we have a brave people," he stated to Univisión.
Its goal is for the film to engage not only Cubans but also citizens from around the world.
"What we want to achieve is that on the coming July 11, the collective that emerges is not solely Cuban, [but rather] the citizens of each country reclaiming the freedom of the people," he declared to CubaNet.
Through his social media, Yotuel has shared the sense of urgency that drives him.
"Why bring Patria y Vida to the cinemas? Because we need to make noise, we need to make ourselves visible, we need to provoke scandals that shake the seats of power. Because while it is hot over there, here is the gasoline that ignites it. Because if the world doesn't listen, Cuba remains alone. And if we don't move, nothing will happen," he said on Facebook.
The documentary, banned in Cuba by the authorities, confronts official censorship, which for Luengo is a validation of its impact: "That means we have done our job well."
The film tells the story of the song, from its writing to its winning of two Latin Grammys, with particular focus on rapper Maykel Osorbo and visual artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, participants in the project and currently imprisoned in Cuba.
It also shows images of the massive protests against the Cuban regime on July 11, 2021, during which thousands of people chanted the phrase "Homeland and Life!" to demand an end to the dictatorship.
Four years after the historic popular uprising, Yotuel recalls that the situation on the Island has not changed.
"We are talking about a defenseless people, a people that has been oppressed for 75 years. Without water, without electricity, without food, it is very difficult to stand up to a machinery like the dictatorship that has the weapons it has," he emphasized.
Frequently Asked Questions about the documentary "Patria y Vida" and the protests of July 11th in Cuba
What is the documentary "Patria y Vida" about?
The documentary "Patria y Vida" reconstructs the creation of the eponymous song and its impact on the protests of July 11, 2021, in Cuba, known as 11J. Directed by Beatriz Luengo, the film highlights the repression of the Cuban regime and celebrates the courage of the Cuban people in their fight for freedom.
Why is the premiere of "Patria y Vida" in Miami important?
The premiere in Miami aims to amplify the denunciation against the repression of the Cuban regime and keep the flame of change in Cuba alive. The Miami-Dade area is a hub for the Cuban community in exile, making this premiere a significant event for mobilizing international support.
What is the expected international impact of the documentary "Patria y Vida"?
The documentary aims to become a catalyst for awareness and action on an international level, inviting not only Cubans but citizens from all over the world to mobilize for the freedom of the Cuban people. The hope is that it inspires concrete actions that contribute to real change in Cuba.
Who are some of the main figures in the documentary "Patria y Vida"?
The documentary highlights the involvement of Maykel Osorbo and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, both imprisoned in Cuba. The history of the song and its impact focuses on these artists, who, along with others, fueled the song that became a symbol of the fight against the Cuban dictatorship.
Filed under:
