In light of the recent challenges faced during the Festival del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez reassured attendees of the importance of such cultural events. He stated, ‘We will always have the Latin American film festival,’ emphasizing the festival’s role in showcasing diverse cinematic talent across the region. The festival, taking place in Havana, encountered significant disruptions from widespread blackouts affecting the city. Despite these difficulties, the event proceeded, drawing around 70,000 attendees. These challenges did not deter the festival’s spirit, with numerous films and artistic activities running successfully. Additionally, Díaz-Canel highlighted the festival’s impact on the inclusion of various voices in cinema, reinforcing its necessity for cultural dialogue. Not only does the festival serve as a platform for artistic expression, but it also reflects broader societal issues facing the country. The Minister of Culture, Alpidio Alonso, reiterated the commitment to maintain cultural events, stating, ‘The festival is not just a gathering, but a celebration of our identity and resilience as a people.’ This year’s festival featured over 100 films from different countries, highlighting works that foster connection and understanding within Latin America and beyond.
Miguel Díaz-Canel Affirms Commitment to Latin American Film Festival Amid Challenges
