Habaneros – Julien Temple (2017)

“What does it mean to ‘tell’ Cuba? The foreigner perspective about such a particular reality necessarily imply a certain vision, but at the same time it can mean to have a different approach. And which is the best way, for such a multilayered portrait, if not cinema: mutual union of images, motion and sound, in revolution like the roll in reel? This is Julien Temple’s power and his Habaneros (UK, 2017, ‘136), in Latinamerican premiere at 21° Bafici, Buenos Aires Festival of International Independent Cinema, pays an extraordinary homage to this land, tenacious and sensual as its inhabitants. The film goes through Cuban history from the origin to contemporary, marking the fundamental steps which led to the edification of the inextinguishable spirit known as cubanidad. Unfolding a two and a half years process of research and filming, it shows history as much as it gives voice to specific and different interpretations of facts: to Cuban people of today who, despite cyclones and embargo, bureaucracy and Trump, keep on living in Cuba. Interviews alternate with unpublished video-photographic material from historical Cuban archives, restored and digitalised in 4K, and with emblematic films as I am Cuba and Memories of Underdevelopment, unforgettable witnesses of an era. The magic of the documentary is fulfilled by music, as images pass in front of the bystander with the most varied Cuban rhythms. … Therefore going through centuries of Cuban history, one can hear traditional themes as Manicero and Bebo Valdés ones, as well as contemporary folk singers and rappers. Nevertheless impeccable editing of high quality audio-video material is not the greatest result of this film, whose special feature is to be able to show, in a very direct and balanced way, what Cuba passed through in the past and what still occurs today. Being by a British director this film testifies both the interest for Cuba still high around the world and the need to have a distant perspective when telling still hot facts. Indeed Temple’s power lies in explaining them to the world, because foreigners’ idea about Cuba reflects decades of myths, built in the collective imaginary with multiple subjective views. Finally this impartial documentary can be useful to have a fresh look at what is nos longer a myth, but a twist, a unique evolution of 20th century history, which keeps on fascinating the world. …”
arte
Criterion (Video)
W – Julien Temple