Dear Latin Film Festival organizers.
Dear audience.
It is a pleasure for me, as Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in Austria, to be able to say a few words before you delve into the life of Omara Portuondo, this admired woman whose voice, intact, despite her many years, has given, throughout her career, songs that she has magnified and made unforgettable.
Omara is also a symbol of the Cuban woman; a jacarandosa mulatto, with a contagious sense of humor and a mischievous look that is one of her calling cards.
Her story is versatile and resounding. Her sense of rhythm and musicality: impressive.
Her exceptional vocal qualities, together with her natural gift, and the experience acquired alongside great Cuban musicians, shaped that voice that still moves all audiences.
Many agree that Omara does whatever she wants with her voice and that she sings all songs, even the most well-known ones, in her own way, and it is very difficult to follow her.
A lot could be said about Omara. She has received multiple awards and accolades, such as the National Music Award in 2006, the Latin Grammy or the Doctor Honoris Causa degree in Arts awarded by the University of the Arts of Cuba, in 2018, among many others.
But Omara treasures awards that cannot be displayed in a showcase, and are truly transcendental. She was named many years ago, "La novia del feeling" (The bride of feeling), for her decisive participation in this important musical movement in Cuba. Some time later she received the title of "La Diva del Buena Vista Social Club", and in both cases she was accompanied by the unconditional love of her compatriots.
Therefore, I invite you to listen to the sublime voice of Omara Portuondo, and why not, afterwards, decide to visit Cuba and be able to see and hear, with your own eyes and ears, the musicality and versatility of Cuban artists.
I assure you that you will not regret doing so.
Thank you very much.