Opening of the Latin American Film Festival in Palmerston North

Palmerston North, October 20, 2024 – The Latin American Film Festival was successfully inaugurated yesterday in the city of Palmerston North, bringing together distinguished personalities and cinema lovers. The opening ceremony featured remarks from Grant Smith, the city’s mayor, and Luis Ernesto Morejón, the Cuban Ambassador to New Zealand, who spoke emotionally about the importance of cultural exchange between Latin America and Aotearoa.

The festival, which celebrates the richness and diversity of Latin American cinema, began with the screening of the acclaimed Cuban film "Strawberry and Chocolate", directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea and Juan Carlos Tabío. This iconic feature film, internationally recognized at film festivals, tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Diego, a gay artist passionate about culture, and David, a young communist student with firm political ideals.

The film is not only praised for its cinematic excellence but also as a symbol of social transformation. Through the relationship between Diego and David, "Strawberry and Chocolate" reflects a shift in Cuban society, where LGBTQ+ relationships are increasingly accepted and respected as a normal part of society. Today, Cuba’s Family Code protects the very rights that Diego fights for in the film, highlighting the progress the island has made in terms of equality and respect for diversity.

Ambassador Morejón's participation in the event underscored Cuba’s commitment to promoting its culture internationally, while Mayor Smith emphasized the value of such festivals in enriching the cultural fabric of Palmerston North.

The Latin American Film Festival will continue throughout the week, showcasing other cinematic productions from countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Chile, promoting cultural understanding and dialogue between nations through the art of film.