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Screening: Production on I am Cuba began on November 25, 1962-less than a month after the world had reached the brink of nuclear conflict in the Cuban Missile Crisis. There remained a tremendous amount of enthusiasm for the ideals of the Cuban revolution, and Castro's regime devoted tremendous resources for schools, hospitls, and literacy brigades. For the Sovites, Cuba provided a reminder of their own 1917 Revolution-a symbol of the continuing struggle. I am Cuba was fashioned in the tradition of great Soviet films that rdocumented (and idealized) the Revolution-films like Potemkin, October, Enthusiasm, and The End of St. Petersburg that combined great artistry with groundbreaking techniques to idealize a political statement. Like Eisenstein before him, Mikhail Kaltatozov sought to create a new cinematic language to express his political beliefs and personal vision. What results is mind-blowing, sensuous, roller-coaster ride, complete with bathing beauties, landless peasants and student revolutionaries. Newly restored, I am Cuba is one of the great cinematic discoveries of the last decade. See it on the big screen! Tidbit: "I have not chosen experienced actors-some have never acted before, while others are just getting started. I think that cinema does not really require professional actors, because what counts more than anything is the human presencce. That is what character on screen." -Mikhail Kalatozov
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