Culture

The Gaze of a Young Cuban Photographer

Laura Capote’s images are representative of a new generation of Cuban visual artists concerned with their times and society. As the artist tells us, “The photographic process has drawn from many different visions.”

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A Painful Train Ride in the Heart of Cuba

The following text silently fades in over black: “Cuba is a socialist Latin American island nation where the State controls most of the means of production to guarantee the wellbeing of its citizens.” Thus begins Marcelo Martin’s documentary, El tren de la linea norte (“The North Line Train”). The film documents a journey that begins at the station in Moron and ends at Punta Alegre in the central Cuban province of Ciego de Avila.

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December Jazz and Rain

December always presents a varied cultural programming in Havana; between the Film Festival, Jazz Plaza, the new gallery exhibitions and celebrations for the end of the year, art lovers do not have time to rest. (12 photos)

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Sounds from Havana Jazz Plaza 2015

From December 17-20, Havana hosted the 31st International Jazz Plaza Festival. This year the event was dedicated to the types of music that over time have been influenced by jazz. Here are some videos I took.

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“The Reconquest of the Useless” – Interview with the Filmmakers

Over thirty years ago, the German director Werner Herzog filmed his most important movie, “Fitzcarraldo”, which earned him the 1982 Cannes Festival award for best director. The film tells the story of Brian Fitzgerald (Fitzcarraldo), an eccentric man so obsessed with the opera that he decides to build a theater in the Amazon jungle. Apparently one lone conquest of the useless wasn’t enough to confirm the uselessness of the entire process.

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Mudejar Music in Old Havana

Recently while walking down dirty streets bombarded by the reggaeton music in vogue, I could not have imagined that, at the corner of the Alameda de Paula, I would be finding an enclave of peace and quiet. (10 photos)

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The Art of Being a Woman

I first saw her at Havana’s Café Amor, or the Karabali, as many of us continue to call this nightclub. Others may be more theatrical, cleverer or have a more refined sense of humor, “but Chantal is the most beautiful of all,” my friend Alexandros had told me…and he was right. (20 photos)

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Game of Thrones Producers in Cuba

Few realized when the group of U.S. film producers, screen writers and directors slipped in. They didn’t make a triumphant entrance. They simply entered a private hall and gradually mixed with the crowd waiting to meet one of the producers of the world’s most-watched TV series — Game of Thrones.

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The Havana Film Festival: A Window to Ourselves

The Havana Film Festival draws many filmmakers from the region. Most consider it an honor to have their work screened in Havana for the 10 days of the festival. To take part in the festival, be it by offering lectures, attending workshops or simply as special guests becomes the aim of many.

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