During the Miami presentation of the Spanish film "Aída y Vuelta," the Cuban comedian Alexis Valdés had one of the most talked-about moments of the night when he addressed the Spanish actor and director Paco León with a statement laden with political irony.
After praising his talent, Valdés made a proposal that drew laughter and applause:
"You are a remarkable director. Truly, a tremendous director. And knowing the deep affection that people in Cuba have for all of you, I have a proposal for Paco. Given that this movie isn't performing well, wouldn't it be possible for you, as such a great director, to direct Cuba, Paco?" she suggested.
Paco León's response was immediate and heartfelt. Without directly entering into politics, he emphasized the special connection that exists between the series "Aída" and the Cuban audience:
"I hope so. What seems incredibly exciting to me is that in Cuba, more than anywhere else, this series has been a pain reliever for many of you," he stated.
The exchange connected humor with an implicit critique of the reality of the Island and set the tone for the evening, where nostalgia, laughter, and social awareness blended in front of a mostly Cuban audience.
The return of "Aída" and its connection with Cubans
The new film "Aída y Vuelta" marks the return of the universe of the series that captured millions of viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Paco León, who directs and reprises his role as Luisma, highlighted the unique relationship that the production has with Cuba: "Cubans are more Aída than Spaniards", he stated.
León has explained that he always feels moved when speaking directly to the Cuban audience and that he knew the film would be understood "differently" by them.
The film contains nods to Cuba that were completely intentional: the music, cultural references like Los Zafiros, and the fact that Aída "returns" from the Island are all part of a tribute to an audience that has kept the series alive for years.
The excitement is shared by the rest of the cast.
Carmen Machi, the unforgettable Aída, who has expressed her gratitude to Cubans for their constant support, and Canco Rodríguez (Barajas) also traveled to Miami, where he shared his hope of one day being able to attend such an event directly in Cuba.
Why the movie will not be released in Cuba
Although "Aída y Vuelta" is already being shown in theaters in Spain and other countries, Paco León was clear in explaining that it will not officially arrive in Cuban theaters.
He acknowledged that he has tried "in many ways," but that for political reasons it has been very difficult.
Still, he expressed confidence that the film "will somehow reach" the audience on the Island, appealing to the creativity and informal networks through which Cubans have historically accessed cultural content.
The special premiere in Miami, held on February 5 at Cinépolis, confirmed that Aída remains a living phenomenon, especially among Cubans in exile and those on the Island, who for years have found relief in that comedy amidst the hardships of daily life.
Cuba, at the end of the conversation
And it is precisely there where Alexis Valdés's joke resonates again.
When she says that "that movie isn't working" and suggests that Paco León should direct Cuba, she is humorously pointing out a bitter truth: the country is facing a dire situation.
The economy is in freefall, people are facing a chronic shortage of food and transportation, blackouts last for hours, and daily life has become an obstacle course.
None of this is coincidental or unavoidable. It is the result of decades of mismanagement, erratic decisions, and a model that has proven incapable of ensuring well-being for its own population.
While artists and comedians use the stage to deliver truths disguised as jokes, millions of people in Cuba continue to pay the price of a system that doesn't work.
And that's why, behind the laughter that Alexis Valdés provoked, there remained a clear criticism: the problem is not a film… it is the script that has governed the country for too long.
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