BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB

101 minutes

Director: Wim Wenders

Country: Cuba

Year: 1999
Language: Spanish (English subtitles)

Overview:

Wim Wenders, a German filmmaker, author and playwright, made this documentary about the Cuban musicians in the Buena Vista Social Club. This group has toured the U.S. and their albums have been best sellers for months. The elder members have many unique stories to tell from a country that has been sealed off to American citizens for decades.

Previewing Activities

• What do you know about the styles of music that originated in Cuba?
• Can you think of any famous musicians who are from Cuba?
• What is the capital of Cuba and who is the leader?
• In general, what do you know about Cuba’s relations with the US?

Post-Viewing Activities

• What kinds of things do the musicians do when they are not playing music?
• Many of these musicians were born early in the 20^th century. Who is the oldest in the group?
• What was the specific style of music that the Buena Vista Social Club had?
• Does the actual “Buena Vista Social Club” building still exist?

Class Projects

• Research one of the musicians from the film. Find as much relevant information as you can.
• Pick one song done by the Buena Vista Social Club. Find a translation of this song. What kinds of experiences would lead a musician to write this song?

How to Borrow this Video:

The videos owned by the UNC-Duke Consortium in Latin American and Caribbean Studies are housed in the Outreach Office of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  They are lent free of charge.  For information on films and reservations, please visit http://isa.unc.edu/film/films_main.asp.

Suggested Readings

· Carpentier, Alejo; Timothy Brennan, Alan West-Duran. Music in Cuba. University of Minnesota Press, 2001.

· Sublette, Ned. Cuba and its Music: From First Drums to the Mambo. Chicago Review Press, 2007.