Oct. 26, 1964|Cuba | Soviet Union|140 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama;History;Kids;Reality
Description: “I Am Cuba” is a 1964 anthology drama film directed by Mikhail Kalatozov, produced as a collaboration between the Soviet Union and Cuba. Originally titled “Soy Cuba” in Spanish and “Я Куба” (Ya Kuba) in Russian, the film was poorly received by audiences in both countries upon its release and remained largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by American filmmakers three decades later. Its innovative cinematography, featuring acrobatic tracking shots and unique mise en scène, captured the attention of renowned directors like Martin Scorsese, who led efforts to restore the film in the early 1990s.
Shot in black and white, the movie utilized infrared film sourced from the Soviet military to enhance contrast, creating striking visuals with white trees and dark, sunny skies. Wide-angle shots dominate the film, with the camera frequently moving close to subjects while avoiding direct eye contact.
The narrative of “I Am Cuba” is divided into four distinct short stories, each highlighting the struggles and resilience of the Cuban people. These stories range from passive astonishment in the first segment to a guerrilla uprising in the final one. A female narrator, credited as “The Voice of Cuba,” connects the stories with poignant lines such as, “I am Cuba, the Cuba of the casinos, but also of the people.”
The first story centers on Maria, a young woman living in a shantytown on the outskirts of Havana. She dreams of marrying her fruit-selling boyfriend, Rene, but secretly works as a prostitute named Betty in an American-run casino. One night, a client insists on visiting her home instead of taking her to his hotel room. Maria reluctantly leads him to her modest dwelling, where he callously takes her prized crucifix necklace. The next morning, as the client leaves, Rene arrives and discovers Maria’s double life, leaving him stunned. The American, indifferent to the poverty around him, struggles to navigate his way out of the shantytown.
The film remains a powerful exploration of Cuban society, blending artistic innovation with social commentary.
Cast director: Mikhail Kalatozov
Cast actor: Sergio Corrieri, Salvador Wood, José Gallardo, Raúl García, Luz María Collazo, Jean Bouise, Alberto Morgan, Celia Rodriguez, Fausto Mirabal, Roberto García York
Original name: Soy Cuba