Interviews Archives - Page 102 of 149

A Cuban’s Story of Changing Times

At 80, Manuel is still a strong and clear-headed man. He wears humble (but clean) attire and speaks without gesticulating, though a certain degree of haughtiness still comes across.

Iya Mezenova: A Russian-Born Cuban Flutist

Iya Mezenova is an established concert musician who, having developed her artistic career in Cuba, carries the great musical talent of the legendary performers of her native land. “I moved to Cuba when I was six years old.”

Cuba’s Bitter-Sweet Cheese Market

“I think cops track us down through smell, like dogs do. There’s no getting rid of the stench of curdled milk that sticks to your body, not even with the best soap,” said Isabel who buys cheese from farmers and sells it illegally in Havana.

The Young Filmmakers Festival Opened Doors for Marcos Menendez

Marcos Menendez competed at last week’s New Filmmakers Festival with his fourth piece, a short, animated film completed in 2014 titled Un dia mas (“Another Day”). The animation, winner of the Latinoamerica en Corto Award at Madrid’s 13th Notodofilmfest Short Film Festival, tells the story of Manolo, a man mired in a daily, alienating routine. In 2011, Menendez had already received a special mention at the festival for his piece Lluvia de estrellas (“Raining Stars”).

The Vladimir Malakhov Dance Festival Returns to Cuba

This year, the 2nd Vladimir Malakhov Grand Prix (named after the renowned international dancer) will be offering a series of interesting scholarships to dancers and choreographers in the United States. Paul Seaquist, the festival producer, talks to us about the event.

Saxophonist Osmany Collado and Cuba’s Charanga Habanera

Cuban musician and composer Osmany Collado has released an album that renders his most romantic pieces by bringing together some of the island’s most popular voices.

A Cuban’s Passion for Photography and Writing

Ariel Maceo Tellez, 28, seems happy when speaking about photography and writing, his two passions in life. “My main motivation was cinema. My main interest was to make films, but photography is more accessible…” (8 photos)

Colombian Filmmaker Takes Cuban Novel to the Big Screen

Sergio Cabrera was awe-struck by the adventures of Nieve Guerra, the child protagonist of the diary/novel authored by Cuban novelist Wendy Guerra. “Eight years ago, someone gave me a book for my birthday that I enjoyed immensely and moved me to tears.”

The United States is the Real Threat in the Americas, Not Venezuela (Video)

We speak to Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Ricardo Patiño, who took part in the Organization of American States meeting yesterday. Ecuador has offered to mediate dialogue between the United States and Venezuela.

Cuban Pianist & Innovator Jorge Luis Lagarza

Jorge Luis Lagarza is a young pianist who accompanies one of Cuba’s great vocal talents. Today, he is going down new roads to explore his musical preoccupations.