tuesday 18th march:- The official opening of the second edition of the Screen Cuba Film Festival: "Films to Change the World" was held on 18 March at the prestigious Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London. This event, which continues to consolidate itself as a key platform for the dissemination of Cuban cinema, offers an excellent selection of films and documentaries from the 1960s to the present day.
The opening ceremony was attended by Gladys González, vice-president of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), Ambassador Ismara Vargas Walter, and Rob Miller, president of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign (CSC). The day began with the screening of "Guantanamera", a classic of Cuban cinema, and the animated "Elpidio Valdés y el tren militar"¨; and culminated with a reception in which the outstanding work of the festival's organising team was recognised.
This edition, which runs until 29 March, will take its programme to several British cities, including Aberystwyth, Nottingham, Oxford and Pontypridd. Thanks to the efforts of the CSC and its local groups, Screen Cuba continues to grow, and Cuban cinema continues to reach new audiences and consolidate itself in prestigious venues within the British film circuit.
In addition to screenings at the ICA, Screen Cuba has had a presence in academic spaces, such as Birkbeck University, where Sara Gómez's documentary trilogy was presented. This session was attended by students from various institutions, such as Birkbeck University London, University College London and Goldsmiths University London, reflecting the growing interest in Cuban cinema.
The Cuban Embassy in the UK expresses its deep gratitude to the CSC, the ICAIC and all those involved in the realisation of this festival. Screen Cuba continues to establish itself as a fundamental space for the dissemination of Cuban cinema, promoting its artistic richness and its capacity to reflect the history, identity and daily reality of the island to the British public.