As you know, I love to promote projects by and for Cubans. In the month of September, I usually showcase the stories of Cuban exiles in my blog series, Cuando Sali de Cuba.
Our shared history is so compelling and our contributions and accomplishments are many and varied. The film, Cubamerican beautifully and artfully showcases the stories of many prominent Cubans. Their stories, like all of ours are filled with both unbearable sadness and unquenchable hope.
I had the privilege of seeing the film in a rough version last summer and I was blown away. This is a must-see, not just for Cubans, but for all lovers of liberty.
Here's an interview with José Enrique Pardo – Writer/Producer/ Director
Q: What spurred you to make this film?
A: My father’s death. After he passed away I felt like my connection to Cuba had died with him and I wanted to commemorate his experience and mine. I also wanted to provide a portal for my children and their children to remember the lives of their Cuban ancestors. As it turned out, making the film revived my Cubania. It was my father’s last gift to me.
Q: Of all the stories chronicled in Cubamerican which one is the most powerful to you?
A: All the stories are powerful, and though they share similarities they are all unique. Anytime one is forced into exile from one’s homeland, it is a tragedy. However, for me the stories of those characters who lost their parents and their families, who were never able to reunite with them, are the most compelling; they have an almost unbearable sadness.
Q: What would you like to see happen in Cuba?
A: The existence of a pluralistic democracy with free elections, which incorporates the philosophy of the American Declaration of Independence. Namely, that we are all created equal and are endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That government is necessary to secure those rights and derive their power from the consent of the citizenry not the military or a dictatorship. And that whenever any government abolishes or infringes upon those rights, as the Cuban government has done for so long, it is the right of the people to institute a new government that can effect their safety and happiness. None of this exists in Cuba today.
Q: What is the purpose of your film?
A: I hope that the purpose of my film is to bring all Cubans closer together. To show that hatred, force, and repression is evil and a curse on humanity and that it is forgiveness and compassion that bring us closer to the divine.
Q: What place do you think your film will occupy in Cuban history?
A: I don’t know if it will occupy a place in Cuban history I think it will occupy a place in Cuban-American history. My film presents Cuban history as background and explanation for the Cuban-American condition but it does not dwell on Cuba. More than anything else, my film shows the resiliency of the human spirit embodied in the characters of the film and the million more like them that risked everything for freedom and ultimately triumphed because of it.
Cubamerican will be showing beginning Friday, June 14th in Miami at The Tower Theater • 1508 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, Fl.
They have graciously offered to give away 4 sets of 2 tickets to the Friday, June 14th showing of the film to MBFCF readers. Of course, this is available only to my South Florida friends. (Don't hate.)
In order to enter the Cubamerican Ticket Giveaway, please leave a comment here on this blog and answer the following questions:
- What year did your family come to the U.S?
- What part of Cuba are you from?
Please go "like" the Cubamerican La Pelicula Facebook page for an extra entry and come back and leave another comment saying, "I like Cubamerican."
I'll choose the winners on Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST.
About the Director:
José Enrique Pardo was born in Havana, Cuba, raised in Union City, New
Jersey, and now resides in Los Angeles, California. He has written three
novels (Dealing from Heaven, Leverage, Hurricanes) a collection of
stories (Poised Upon the Precipice) and three screenplays (Persuasion,
God’s Law and Feelanthropy). José Enrique has previously produced and
directed two short films (Proposition, Birthday Boy}. Cubamerican is
his first feature film.
My parents came to America in 1960, days away from turning 18, with my sister in my mom’s belly and a couple of bucks in their pocket…and not much else.My mom’s family is from Pinar del Rio but my mom was born in La Habana. My dad’s family is from Guines.
My mom and her family came to the US in 1962 when my mom was 9. My grandparents still have their PanAm plane tickets from that day in March 1962.My mom’s family is from Trinidad.
My family came in 1967. They were from Alquizar & Santa Clara. Thank you for a great blog.
My parents came to the United States when they were 19 yrs old. Now they are 78! So they have been here since 1954. My father is from Cienfuegos and my mother is from Sagua La Grande. My parents both lived in New York then moved to Miami Florida where they met.I married a Cuban from Havana.
Thanks for sharing! Would love to see this at the Tower Theatre!
I too came to the United States in 1961 and to this day have kept my Pan Am ticket in tact! So very proud of my heritage ! I married a German man and have two wonderful boys which I refer to affectionately as my CUGERMS! Half Cuban half German!
I came to the USA via Jamaica in 1962. My parents and I received “el telegrama” on July 4, 1962. Very liberating indeed. I am from Baez, Las Villas, Cuba. Very proud to be a “Guajira”.
Hi Marta my name is Carmen and I got to the US in January 1995. I was a balsera! I was 3 years old when I left Cuba and 4 when I got here to Miami (I spent 5 months in Guantanamo Bay because they found us at sea). I was born in Santa Clara, Villa Clara. Anyway, I’m 22, and I grew up here hearing all the stories from my parents of Cuba and experiencing all the awesome Cubanness Miami has to offer. I would love love love to go see this so if you still have tickets please keep me in mind! Thanks so much! By the way, I love your blog!
Hi Marta my name is Carmen and I got to the US in January 1995. I was a balsera! I was 3 years old when I left Cuba and 4 when I got here to Miami (I spent 5 months in Guantanamo Bay because they found us at sea). I was born in Santa Clara, Villa Clara. Anyway, I’m 22, and I grew up here hearing all the stories from my parents of Cuba and experiencing all the awesome Cubanness Miami has to offer. I would love love love to go see this so if you still have tickets please keep me in mind! Thanks so much! By the way, I love your blog!
We came to the US during “Los vuelos de la Libertad” in 1967. We lived in Sancti Spiritus Las Villas. I recall how they came to our home and insisted we be ready to go the next day. Our mom made these clear plastic bags so we could each carry the one toy we were allowed to bring. When we arrived at the airport we were separated from my dad and did not see him again till we boarded the plane to Miami.
My mother is from Manzanillo and my father is from Guantanamo. My siblings and I were born in Miami. To be exact, SW 15 avenue and 17 street or in other words, 9 blocks from Tower Theatre. Not only did we grow up in a very Cuban environment but our parents were very Cuban and very insistent in instilling that ‘Cuban-ism’ in us. It worked.As a family–Cuban family–we were at the Orange Bowl for the memorial of “Los Hermanos de Rescate.” We were outside of Elian’s house, las damas de blanco. Well, just about every Cuban gathering, we were there. Perhaps at the moment I was not sure of what we were doing due to my age (currently 26) but I am grateful to them for providing me with those memories, the knowledge and the overall satisfaction of being Cuban. I now have a baby girl and please believe, she will retrieve
ALL that information (half Venezuelan as well).
Los viejos have now slowed down. La mierda de lymphoma..jaja sorry. This will be quite a nice outing if you ask me. Right around the block and something they can definitely relate to. Nonetheless, thanks for the read. Viva Cuba libre!
My parents came to the states in 1951 as teenagers and met in a NY highschool. My mother was a lover of all things Anglo/English and a super SciFi follower (♥ Benny Hill and Dr. Who) so it surprised us all that her last wish was to be cremated and her ashes thrown over the playas de Varadero. My aunt had to smuggle them in, but her wishes were carried out. I guess the beauty of the island and the happy memories never truly left her. BB2U
Forgot to add:P.S. Mom from Habana y padre from Oriente. BB, from Queens.
I like Cubamerican.
Marta, my family left Cuba in 1971 by way of Spain and arrived in the US 3 years later. My family is from Marti, Matanzas (next to Cardenas). Thank you for introducing us to Cubamerican through your FB and your MBFCF Blog. My husband and I saw it earlier this year as part of the Miami Film Festival and it was amazing. Would love to win the tickets so the rest of my family could have this incredible experience! Thank you!
I would like to go! My daughter must see her heritage. Here in PA she sees more Amish than Cubans :/
I would love to attend! My parents are gone now, but they came from Cuba in 1961, I was born years later in in Chicago! I am in Miami and love seeing documentaries of Cuban Americans! I bought the Café Con Leche series of Documentaries and love them! I can only imagine how good this is! Please pick me and my hubby! We are both Cuban Americans!!!!
We came to the USA in 1967. My Dad, my Mom my younger brother and me. I was 7 and my borother was 5. My dad was 36 and my mom was 31. I often wonder how hard it was for them to leave Cuba and their families at such a young age. I asked my Mom once and she told me it was because they didn’t want us to be raised in a communist country. That made me cry and to this day I thank them for making such a big sacrifice for us.We are from La Salud, Provincia de la Habana.
My family came to the USA May, 1960. I was 5 years old. We lived in Miami for three years. We were sponsored by New Garden Friends Church in Greensboro, NC; my mom was a Cuban Quaker, go figure. We have lived in Greensboro all these years. My father was born in Havana and my mom in Holguin. My parents lived in Holguin. They instilled a love of country (both Cuba and most especially USA) and all things Cuban in me and I in my children. As I get older my desire to walk the streets of my birthplace grow stronger each day.
of course I like Cubamerican I’m one. left Cuba at the age of 10 with my mother sister and maternal grandparents stayed in Miami for a week and then on to Puerto Rico for a year and a half and then on to Framingham, Massachusetts (what?) yes freezing cold and the language oh my God, I thought Ispoke English what a shock couldn’t understand those damn gringos. anyways went to Boston college married an Irish American (how international) and eventually made it back to Miami like most Cubans looking for warmth. My Mother was the granddaughter of Bartolome Maso and proud of it. She had married a Bulnes and I’m married now to a Pedraza just love my heritage.Always proud to be Cuban.
We came in 1969, my mom, dad, sister 6, brother 5 and me 7.My father was from Manicaragua and my mother from Santa Clara although I think she was born in Guayos.
I would love to win the tickets and take my oldest daughter, she is only 16 and loves everything Cuban. It took a long time for me to feel like this is where I’m supposed to be, I have mi Cubita always in my heart.
i like cubamerica 🙂
My parents came from Cuba in 1962 with my 3 older brothers. Mom was originally from Santa Clara (El Santo) but my parents met in La Habana.My sister & I were born here but our Cuban roots run deep—and I want my children to know the sacrifices their grandparents made, so that history never repeats itself.
My family and I came to Miami, Florida in 1961. I was only 4 months old and my brother 2 yrs. old. They tell me we lived in Miami Beach in an apartment building, and the manager told my mother if I made too much noise (crying) we would have to leave. My parents lived in pins and needles! She would wash my dippers in the bath tub! No money to go the laundry mat. I am from El Vedado in Habana, Cuba. I was raised very Cuban, maps of Cuba, pictures of Jose Marti, my mother would even make cupcakes with Cuban flags and write Cuban holdays so we would remember them and celebrate them, like 20 de Mayo was one of them.
I would be honored to watch this. We are such a proud group of our heritage.
Hi Marta,My family came in 1966. We lived in Miami for 3 years then moved up North to NY. Even thought we assimilated well my parents and grandparents never let us forget we were Cubans. I love everything about being Cuban especially our love for family. We have come full circle and now live in Sunny Isles Beach. My mother is from Havana and dad from Oriente.
Hello,I’m not Cubamerican, I’m Anglocuban, having left Cuba in 1968 to settle in England, where I’ve lived since the age of 14. I’m not eligible to apply for the tickets, so I will buy the DVD when it becomes available. I was born in San Francisco de Paula, Havana, where my parents were the officers in charge of a Salvation Army children’s home. My father knew the author Ernest Hemingway, and we would visit him on occasions to collect his regular donation to the home. I remember him coming out to see us in his shorts, string vest and sandals. We chatted and he ruffled my hair. I visited La Vigia nearly thirty years later, and it looked the same. Although I am British, I feel very Cuban and I am very proud of my heritage. My parents were from Holguin, but because of their work we moved around the island every few years: Marianao, Diezmero, Banes, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin… Lovely memories. Saludos a todos mis compatriotas. Dios les bendiga.
My family left in 1960, They came from Santiago. Thank you so much for this giveaway. I am back living in Miami but while living in KS for 9 years this was a little connection to my culture. Thank you!love your page <3
We left Cuba in 1971 for Spain; arrived in Miami in 1973. I was born in Matanzas, Cuba. Thank you so very much for your blog, inspiration, and this wonderful opportunity.
I like Cubamerican.
We left Cuba in August 1962; arrived in Miami and have lived here ever since. My mom is from Pinar Del Rio and my father was from Marianao. I’m looking forward to seeing this film.
I like Cubamerican!
I would love tickets for myself and my family. My Dad actually had a phone interview to be in the film, but then decided not to, it was to hard to relive all those memories and was a but camera shy as well.
My parents left Cuba in 1961 they are both from Havana. I would love to take my dad to see this movie!!
“I like Cubamerican.”
My parents came in mid 1959, both were from Habana,they went to the Bronx where my father was able to obtain a residency in pathologyBoth from La Habana
I would absolutely love to take my father to see this film. The pain in his voice when he speaks about Cuba today is as palpable as the light in his eyes when he speaks of the memories that once were. Please consider us for tickets. Thank you!
I like CubanAmrican !
I like Cubamerican!
My parents moved to Hialeah in 1950. I grew up next to Rodriguez on one side and Roca on the other. Across the street was Perez, & Martinez, among others…to this day, I treasure the experience of growing up amid love and diversity, and my friends, whose names end in Lopez, Vega, and on and on. Love your blog! Martha
My family and I came to this wonderful country on the Freedom Flights in 1967. We lived in Little Havana an used to go walk to the movies at Tower with the grandmothers all the time. I sure would like to see this movie for free. My husband grew up on in Cuba. Hes a struggling musician and I am currently unemployed and have been recently diagnosed with a neurological disorder. Congrats on your blog! I love it. Lol
We came in the Mariel boatlift 1980 from Matanzas Cardenas,
My parents and I came to America in 1961.My brother had left earlier with my aunt and uncle. We are from Marianao, La Habana. I left when I was 1 year old and still hear the stories of how hard it was to find an apartment in Miami with a 1 year old child. Most apartments my parents could afford had sigs that said “no cubans, no blacks” and NO CHILDREN. I wish I could have gotten to know “Mi PATRIA”, specially its unique and fantastic natural beauty!
I like CUBAMERICAN!!!!
My family came to this country in the 60s and slowly brought our entire family over. I would love to see this film.
My parents came in 1954. Both are from La Esperansa in Santa Clara, Las Villas.
Hi Marta, I came from Cuba in 1971, I’m from Cienfuegos. My husband came from Cuba in 1964 with his parents. They are from Esperanza. My in-laws live in Miami and I would love to surprise them with tickets to see CubAmerica. I love your blog!”I like CubAmerica”
My father emigrated from Cuba in the 40’s and my mother, in 1954. Yes, I know, many years before Castro. My parents married in NYC in 1957 and visited Cuba in November 1959 because they wanted to see for themselves what was going on there, and maybe even stay. My mom was 8 months pregnant with me at the time. Thank god, they decided not to stay, so I was born in the US on December 3 1959. Fortunately, I grew up in Little Havana in the 60’s and 70’s when it really, really was ‘Little Havana.’ Unfortunately, I never had a chance to meet many family members, including my grandparents. I grew up hearing ‘the stories’ of what it was like in Cuba and suspected that the stories were a little exaggerated, a little embellished. But, at the age of 39 I was working for an international company had the opportunity to travel to Cuba for something work-related. I had the opportunity to meet some cousins. I also had the opportunity to confirm that those ‘stories’ were anything but exaggerated!
Forgot to mention, my mom is from La Habana and my father is from Santa Clara.
I posted previously without answering the questions.My family arrived here in 1966 and we are from Santa Clara, Las Villas
My family and I came to Miami in 1966. I had just turned 2 years old. I was born in Havana. I
My family left Cuba in 1976 via Spain. We arrived in New York 5 months later, just a few days before Christmas. My parents were 38 at the time – Papi is from Marianao, Habana; Mami is from Palma Soriano, Oriente. I was 12, my brother 11, my sister 9 years old. I have vivid memories of my childhood in Cuba, lots of it terrible. I was 2 years old when my parents presentaron la salida and were punished and sent to live in about 18 different places in Oriente. I remember Baire, Cauto Cristo, Minas de Charco Redondo, Guisa, Bayamo…. That’s where I went to school until 6th grade, Bayamo.I am married to a cuban from Ranchuelo, Las Villas, who came by himself in the Mariel boat lift in 1980 when he was 17 years old. We have 3 daughters, all born in NJ, who have all visited Cuba and met my family in La Habana and proudly consider themselves cubans.
Don’t put me in the drawing for the tickets, I live in Pennsylvania now. Just wanted to share and reminisce a little.
Love you blog, by the way!
Hi Marta. My mom and her parents left Cuba in 1967. They later moved to new York . My family has instilled a love if the Cuban culture and heritage. I am a local public school teacher and although our curriculum is to teach Florida history. I do.teach outside the box and always teach some fun facts in our beautiful island that most called home
My family arrived to Chicago from Havana in 1961. My dad got here in January & my mother and me in June. We left Cuba via Jamaica. I was 6 years old and remember Cuba, the exodus from Cuba as well as the restart of our lives in America as Cuban pioneers in a new country as we maintained our culture, values and embraced a new culture & lifestyle. We prospered grew -financially, grew closer as a family & a community. My dad was Wilfred Fernandez & my mom Nilda Selcis Fernandez. They were amazing people with kin inteligence, giant generous hearts, strong work ethics, devoted parents, that passed their values & culture on to me. After 12 years in Chicago we moved to Miami were I went to college, after graduate school at the University of Miami – meet my husband & moved to the New York area 32 years old.