The emblematic Havana Film Festival of this city will begin its program of activities today with a tribute to Cuban film director Nicolás Guillén Landrián (1938-2003), which will open the doors of its 24th edition.
The opening day, held at Hofstra University, will feature the screening of En un barrio viejo, Los del baile and Ociel del Toa, creations by the director, who is considered one of the members of the Cuban film avant-garde of the 1960s and early 1970s, particularly for his documentary work.
In addition, the documentary Landrián by Cuban director Ernesto Daranas will be presented for the first time in New York, a film dedicated to highlighting the almost unknown work of the evening's protagonist.
The 24th edition of the Havana Film Festival in New York will run from Wednesday through April 18 with the screening of more than 35 films from Latin America, most of them world and local premieres.
Hosted at the Quad Cinema, the event will showcase films from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Panama, Uruguay and other countries in the region.
The agenda also announces the participation of filmmakers and renowned figures of Latin American cinema, including the director of the Cinemateca de Cuba, Luciano Castillo.
"The festival presents narratives that reflect the contemporary times in which we live, often uncomfortable and occasionally uncertain, but consistently reflective of our diverse experiences," said artistic director Diana Vargas.
As Latinos, we are a creative force, seeking to amplify these voices and reaffirm our presence in this city as vital contributors to its cultural tapestry, she told the Festival's website.
The series of films in competition will begin on April 12 with the New York premiere of the feature film Mujer Salvaje, debut feature by Cuban filmmaker Alan Gonzalez, and will end on April 18 with the special presentation of the documentary Igualada, by Colombian Juan Mejia Botero.
The exhibitions promise a journey of cinematographic richness that demands attention and questioning of norms, reminding the public of the transformative power of cinema.