London: A new edition of the ‘Screen Cuba: Films to Change the World’ festival is being launched today in the United Kingdom, showcasing a selection of notable films from Cuba’s rich cinematic history. The festival promises to present classic films from the 1960s to the present day, highlighting the island’s extensive contributions to the art form.
According to Lao News Agency, the festival is organized in collaboration with the Music Fund for Cuba, the Campaign of Solidarity with Cuba, and the Cuban Film Institute (ICAIC). Following the success of previous editions among British audiences, the festival is scheduled for a second run from March 16 through 29, 2025, with plans to expand screenings to additional venues and cities over a two-week period.
The Garden Cinema, located in Covent Garden in central London, will once again serve as a primary venue for the event. The program will include films that explore themes such as national identity, the impact of the Cuban revolution, and the nuances of daily lif
e on the island. In addition to film screenings, the festival will welcome Cuban film professionals who will engage in workshops and debates discussing the evolution of Cuban cinema since 1959 and sharing their experiences and perspectives.
One notable aspect of the festival is its dedication to preserving cinematographic works. This effort is supported by the Music Fund for Cuba, which has been raising funds to restore film projects at ICAIC. Two iconic animated short films by Juan Padrón-Elpidio Valdés contra el tren militar and Una aventura de Elpidio Valdés-are among the first to benefit from these funds, having been restored in partnership with the Colombian Film Heritage Foundation.
Screen Cuba has become a highly anticipated event, reinforcing the solidarity efforts to showcase Cuban culture in the United Kingdom. The festival provides a platform for Cuban storytellers and their allies to share diverse narratives from different eras of Cuban history.