The period series "Coolie," featuring Cuban actors Camila Arteche and Sian Chiong Crehuet in its cast, will have its world premiere this Sunday, April 12 at 12:00 PM at the Koubek Center in Miami, as part of the official selection of the 43rd Miami Film Festival.
The production is an eight-episode miniseries set in Cuba in 1860, which tells the story of Chinese workers brought in as indentured labor—known as "coolies"—for the sugar cane plantations, during a period also marked by the insurgency against Spanish occupation on the island.
Arteche plays María, a character she herself describes as complex and hard to classify. "For many people, she may come across as an antagonist, while for others, not so much. But she is a very deep, very contradictory character, and I'm sure people are going to like her a lot," the actress stated on the show "Dímelo Ya" on Univisión 23.
For his part, Sian Chiong brings Néstor, the antagonist of the series to life. "I am very excited to share this wonderful project I worked on as the antagonist with all of you," the actor wrote on his social media, where he also warned that tickets were nearly sold out.
The series was directed by Arvin Chen and Julian Acosta, and produced by Meileen Choo of Cathay Film Company, based in Singapore. The project brings together more than 35 nationalities in its creative and technical team, featuring an international cast that includes Hong Kong star Louise Wong in the lead role, Colombian Mauricio Henao, and Spaniards Daniel Grao and Pedro Fontaine.
Arteche highlighted the unprecedented historical significance of the premiere: "Unlike other films, this is a series that is premiering for the first time at a film festival in Miami," she pointed out. The actress also emphasized the personal meaning of the moment: the premiere coincides with her birthday.
"Being able to share it at the Miami Film Festival, surrounded by so much talented people, and on such a special day as my birthday, makes it even more unforgettable. It's a beautiful gift to celebrate life and art at the same time," she expressed.
After the screening of the first three episodes, part of the team will participate in a discussion with the attending audience.
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