We feel embraced in Cuba, said U.S. filmmakers Peter and Pam Mc Neil, as they looked back on their experience during the filming of the documentary Driving towards change, presented in Columbia, Maryland.
Both journalists, united professionally and in life, did not hide during their dialogue with Prensa Latina at the end of the screening of Driving towards change, their love for the island, which they visited for the first time during the filming process.
The audiovisual tells a particular story, but it could be inserted into the broader scope of the issue of U.S.-Cuba ties.
Peter and Pam McNeil recreate Havana settings and tell of the efforts of John Felder, an African-American entrepreneur who has expanded his automotive business in the Caribbean area, who recently obtained the first license in decades from the Department of Commerce to export electric vehicles to Cuba.
Felder obtained permission for the start of these operations with his company Premier Automotive Export Ltd.
His dream of boosting the use of renewable energy on the island and improving the existence of its people, which has run up against the restrictions imposed by the U.S. blockade, was the focus of the story of the MacNeils, executive producers of A Brigther Path Productions.
"When we went and saw the beautiful people, the beautiful country, we were welcomed, so we really rejoiced in making the documentary and just being able to go and enjoy the people," commented Peter Mc Neil.
"We felt embraced there (in Cuba)," stressed his wife Pamela "Pam" as she highlighted the way people on the island express pride in their country, their culture, "it was an incredible experience."
The two agreed that the economic challenges that the Cuban people are experiencing "do not let that take away their joy", in Pam's opinion, while Peter affirmed that despite everything, Cubans "continue with their lives and make the best of the situation that has befallen them".
They were grateful for this first trip, which they said was educational, and especially to Felder who urged them to bring the project to fruition.
"The U.S. government has always wanted the Cuban people to suffer," said Pamela, expressing her hope that the "relationship will improve, for more open trade between the two countries.
Peter noted that it was his wife who suggested 'Driving for Change' as the title of the audiovisual, "because we need a change".
"It's time for people to come together, it's time for countries to come together, okay, and whatever we can do here for Cuba, you know, what I'm saying, we have to do it. Felder is putting a seed. We're optimistic that he's going to lead that change," he emphasized.
Eager for the first electric car to roll down the streets of Cuba, journalists praised the country's privileged year-round weather conditions.
The premiere of Driving for Change was attended by Felder's businessmen, friends and family, and featured an excellent performance by jazzman Chuck Holden (vocalist).