By: Isabella Noero
Photo by: Sebastian Summers
The sabor of Cuban culture is much closer than you think. In its 3rd year, the Havana/Glasgow Film Festival brings the authentic essence of this Caribbean island to Glasgow – its official twin city since 2002.
From Thursday 9 – Sunday 12 November film fans will have the opportunity to taste Havana’s street life, music, arts with the finest selection of Cuban short films and documentaries. Eirene Houston, the Glasgow-based screenwriter and Festival Director, expects the festival to “cross boundaries” and strengthen cultural ties between these two vibrant cities.
Among the screenings of ‘Habanisation’, ‘From Ghost Town to Havana’, ‘Los Vampiros en Cuba’, and ‘Clandestinos’, highlights include two exclusive UK premiers ‘Esteban’ and ‘Ya no es Antes’ followed by Q&A with one of Cuba’s most acclaimed actors, Luis Alberto Garcia.
Eirene shared with GUM Magazine her excitement to host Aleida Guevara who will coming from Cuba on the 50th anniversary of the death of her father, Che Guevara. She will deliver a speech on Saturday night after the evening screening Double Bill: ‘San Ernesto Nace en La Higuera’ & Fidel – ‘The Man Behind the Myth’.
And for art enthusiasts there will be an exhibition ‘A Postcard from Glasgow to Havana’ to celebrate the twin city status of these cities. Salsa and Latin music lovers will also be able show off their dance moves at the many Fiestas including the exciting Salsa Speed Networking; a great opportunity for young film-makers to speed-dance to the beats of the Son Cubano while possibly planning future collaborations with your lucky dance partners in Cuba and Scotland.
Be prepared to immerse yourself in a cultural exchange with a city that very much like Glasgow (unlike its weather!) celebrates film, the spirit of revolution, friendly people, architecture, art and music.
For the full program visit: http://www.hgfilmfest.com/
