Irina Pino’s Diary

Of the articles I’ve read recently, one dealing with the plastic surgery procedures that both women and men undergo in Spain to aspire to better jobs as companies prefer to hire “young, beautiful” people that can attract customers and make business dealings more successful.

I believe it is important that films dealing with different sexual orientations be made. The independent US film Transamerica (2005) should not be missed by those who support LGTB rights.

A number of taboo issues, such as poverty, homosexuality and transsexuality have been tackled in some of Cuba’s most recent film productions. It is encouraging seeing how many closed doors are being opened…

International Women’s Day was celebrated on Sunday, March 8, a date in which the media here made a point of underscoring the unique values of Cuban women, emphasizing their achievements in all spheres of society.

On the night of February 25, The Dead Daisies played at Havana’s rock-and-roll venue the Maxim Rock. The much-awaited performance began at 9:30 pm. and the band was welcomed with euphoric screaming and thunderous applause.

Days ago, I received the sad news that Havana’s Charles Chaplin Theater had ceased to be Cuba’s Cinematheque. The cinema operated as such for over fifty years and, in my view, fulfilled its task.

In 1985, at the end of a party, a friend invited me over to listen to a Bob Dylan album. At first, the music surprised me. Then I felt that it was something different. The songs, played with a guitar and a harmonica, were endless.

Last night, while channel surfing, I put on Pasaje a lo desconocido, a show aired by Cuban television. Though I don’t make a habit of watching the program, I did this time because the issue addressed was both interesting and controversial: euthanasia.

“Aren’t you going to watch Panfilo?” This is what someone in my family always says to get us together to watch the sitcom Vivir del cuento, the only Cuban comedy show aired by Cubavision these days.

What people look for in the “package” is variety: people choose what they want to watch. There may be a lot of trite stuff in it, but one can also find interesting documentaries, the occasional film with artistic merit, etc.