Cuban Filmmaker Gerardo Chijona presented a film in Cuba that ventures into an unexplored subject in the island, HIV AIDS, based on true stories.
Inspired by the book Confesiones a un medico (Confessions to a physician), by specialist Jorge Rivas, who headed an Institute of care to these patients in the 1990s, the film had an excellent reception in 2010 at the Havana International Festival and recently in the Sundance festival founded by Robert Redford.
Its raw and touching story deals with five young people traveling from the countryside to Havana in search of a supposed paradise as illusory as dramatic in its grim reality.
With its official release in all Cuban movie theaters, the Cuban Film Institute (ICAIC) celebrated its 52 anniversary along with the inauguration of various civil works to preserve film heritage.
Chijona´s film has a great drawing power, among other reasons, because of its ability to penetrate into the subject, supported by a group of junior players, who with unusual authenticity, spirit and impetuous authenticity, gave life to their characters to turn them into true and likable human beings.
A staff of young people, with solid training and talent, are supported by established artists like Jorge Perugorria, Blanca Rosa Blanco, Alberto Pujol, Laura de la Uz and Paula Ali, among others.
Latest Cuban Movie Premiered at Film Appreciation Festival
The Cinemazul 2011 Film Appreciation Festival opened Thursday in the eastern province of Las Tunas with the premiere of the latest Cuban film Ticket to Paradise.
The film by Gerardo Chijona is based on the book Confessions of a doctor and tells the story of four youngsters during the 1990s who travel across Cuba to get away from their family problems.
Cinemazul 2011 is dedicated to the 52 anniversary of the Cuban Film Industry Institute marked today, hence competitive discussions will focus on films by Cuban directors like Tomas Gutiarrez Alea, Humberto Solas and Fernando Perez.
In tune with its community character, the Festival includes screenings and debates in schools and cultural centers. It also includes a workshop for children aimed at fostering an aesthetical education since early ages.
Similar events are taking place in other provinces of the countries to select contestants who will take part in the national Festival scheduled for May. The event grants the Ola Prize, which isthe biggest national award to members of movie appreciation clubs.
The Festival also gives prizes in the categories of critic and research about the development of the seventh art in terms of both creation and cultural promotion.Specialists and creators who have participated in the Cinemazul Festival have said this is the only event of its type in the world as its activities are focused onthe audience and the artistic and social impact of films.
Cuba 50 