CUBA 50 Celebrating Cuban Culture / JULY 2020

Cultural news from Cuba, interviews and reviews and what to see from the UK

Cuban Newsreels a memory of the world

From 1960 the Cuban film institute’s weekly newsreels told the stories of everyday Cuba, Latin America, African independence struggles and much more. The archive is now recognised by UNESCO as 'world memory'. Read about the 'Noticiero' and watch docs here.

“Art has been vital to many people”

Cuban environmental artist and activist Glenda Salazar talks about her ideas and artworks, teaching and surviving lockdown as an artist.

Wasp Network – interview + trailer

A film about the gripping story of the Cuban Five wrongly imprisoned in the US now released on Netflix. Read the interview in Cuba with French director, Olivier Assayas and watch the trailer.

A Black Prince for George Floyd by Nancy Morejon

Cuba’s national poet Nancy Morejón wrote a poem in the wake of the death of George Floyd in the US. Read it here in Spanish and English and find out more about her poetry.

Concert for Cuba - tribute to Cuban doctors

Concert for Cuba was a blockade-busting Cuba-US online event 18-19 July with 6 hours of music and a homage to Cuban health workers with top musicans such as Alexander Abreu, Osain del Monte, Sintesis, Omara Portuondo, Buena Fe, Septeto Santiaguero, Los Van Van plus concerts by artists based in the US .

Wed 22 July, 6pm - Another Education is Possible

Teachers in Cuba and the UK discuss the Cuban education model, its achievements and solidarity. Online meeting.

Sun 26 July, 7pm - Cuba: Living Between Hurricanes

New documentary about climate, commodities and sustainability screened online with Q&A with director Michael Chanan.

4 Sep 2020 - Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor, London

Salsa star Maykel and band combines catchy lyrics with irresistible dancefloor-ready arrangements. With top Cuban salsa DJs Javier La Rosa, Rich, Dr Jim.

11 June 2021 - Pupy y Los Que Son Son, London

Cesar ‘Pupy’ Pedroso, composer of some Los Van Van’s classic hits, brings his legendary orquesta to the UK.

22 July 2021 - CIMAFUNK, London

“A perfect mash up of Cuban music and James Brown with a big dose of Parliament Funkadelic.” Catch Cuba’s rising star next summer.