image001                                                UNC-CH and Duke Consortium in Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Video Collection/Outreach Office

                                                Contact Information: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

                                                3200 FedEx Global Education Center

                                                Phone: (919) 843-8888          Fax: (919) 962-0398

                                                Email: LA_films@unc.edu

 

 

CUBA VA: EL RETRO DE LA NUEVA GENERACIÓN

(Cuba Va: Challenge of the Next Generation)

 

60 minutes

Directed by: Gail Dolgin and Vicente Franco

 

Overview:

This documentary takes a critical look at Cuba’s social and economic situations today, trough the eyes of its youth, The video provides interviews with young people; their discussions and arguments about the economic situation, the government, and the political system; and the responses of those in the authority to youth subcultures such as rock, rap, hard core, and reggae.

 

Strengths and Weaknesses:

This is an exceptionally well-done, youth-oriented presentation of the pros and cons of Fidel Castro’s regime today.  The tape captures a realistic and balanced expression of Cuba’s youth regarding the benefits of the revolution, internal difficulties, and hope for the country’s future.  The documentary is especially strong in that is lets Cuban’s speak for themselves and gives audiences an opportunity to hear them.  With beautiful camera work; fast-paced, strong editing; engrossing music and dancing; and a presentation of diverse views, the tape brings Cuba out of the haze of ideological contention, showing the society as a human enterprise.  One evaluator pointed out that the tape is unique in documenting the thoughts and feelings of Cuban youth (who are exceptionally articulate), and it provides probing insight into the contemporary crisis in Cuba.

 

Introducing the Tape:

Background on the history of Cuba-US relations would be useful.

 

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.

 

References:

Ranucci, Karen, ed. A Guide to Latin American, Caribbean, and U.S. Latino-Made Film and Video. Lanham, MD. Scarecrow Press. 1998.