Cuba Documentary: 7 Influential Films on Cuban Struggles

Many films and documentaries have tried to shed light on the struggles of Cuba. While some have fallen short of the mark, or failed to make it to completion, others are excellent examples of the genre and considered to be very influential in the debate surrounding Cuba.

Here are seven of the most influential films on Cuban struggles:

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1. "The True Story of Che Guevara"
For many observers of modern Cuba, Che Guevara is a hero and a martyr of the revolution. This 2007 film by Maria Perry lays bare some of the truths behind the myth of Guevara and shows how many innocent Cubans were put to death on his orders in La Cabana prison during the early days of Castro’s rule.

2. "Cuban America"
This 2011 documentary made by Adelin Gasana shows how a major community grew up around the refugee Cubans in Miami during the 1960s. Gasana documents how the strong Cuban community developed into a vibrant, important grouping and one of influence in not just Florida but across the nation.

3. "Buena Vista Social Club"
Though seen by many as just a music documentary, the 1999 Wim Wenders film actually captures how much music means to the people of Cuba. Though struggling under the regime of Fidel Castro and from the effects of the U.S. trade embargo, the people still come together to enjoy the freedom that their music gives them.

4. "Curious About Cuba: The Great Museums of Havana"
Throughout the struggles of the Cuban people, the museums of its capital city have documented the country’s history, keeping a record of important artifacts and events. The documentary focuses on the museums of the capital city and how they keep ordinary Cubans in touch with their history.

5. "Cuba After Castro"
This influential documentary charts the struggles of the people of Cuba under Castro and how they are preparing for life after communism. The film covers the hope of the Miami-based Cubans and how they look forward to one day returning to the country of their birth.

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6. "I Am Cuba"
Released in 1964, this film tries to show the struggles of the Cuban people before and after the revolution of the late 1950s. Russian-born director Mikhail Kalatozov films ordinary country peasants struggling on the land and city dwellers fighting for their rights against the police. An influential film, “I Am Cuba” was responsible for many outsiders’ view of the country and still holds a lot of sway.

7. "Three Cubans"
"Three Cubans" is an influential documentary that captures the struggles of ordinary Cubans in the early days of life under the government of Fidel Castro. The filmmakers had to overcome many obstacles in producing the film but managed to show how life in Cuba was affecting people of all economic backgrounds.

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