Watch Cuba: One Island, Two Faces

Cuba: One Island, Two Faces is a powerful documentary that explores the complicated history of Cuba, its people, and its government. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Jonathan Dumont, the film examines the contradictions and paradoxes that define modern-day Cuba. Shot over the course of three years, this stunning film takes viewers on a journey through the tropical landscapes, bustling cities, and rural communities of this fascinating country.

The film begins with an overview of the complex history of Cuba, starting with Spanish colonization and ending with the Cuban Revolution in 1959. The filmmakers highlight the key moments and figures that have shaped Cuba, including Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and the Bay of Pigs invasion. The film then delves into the economic, political, and social conditions that have come to define post-revolution Cuba.

One of the most striking aspects of this film is its portrayal of the two faces of Cuba. On the one hand, there is the glamorous image of Havana, with its vintage cars, colorful buildings, and lively music scene. This is the Cuba that many tourists experience, the Cuba that is advertised in travel brochures. However, the film also shows the other side of Cuba, the side that is not often seen by outsiders. This is the Cuba of crumbling infrastructure, limited resources, and political oppression.

Throughout the film, we meet a range of Cubans, from artists and musicians to farmers and political activists. Each person offers a unique perspective on life in Cuba, providing a multifaceted portrait of this complex country. We hear from a man who runs a private restaurant in Havana, navigating the challenges of operating a small business in a communist regime. We meet a group of young rappers who use their music to critique government policies and inspire social change. And we hear from an environmental activist who fights to preserve the island's fragile ecosystem in the face of rampant development.

One of the most poignant stories in the film follows a group of Cuban baseball players who risked everything to defect to the United States. We see the intense pressure they faced from government officials, as well as the challenges they encountered in adjusting to life in a new country. Their story highlights the complex relationship between Cuba and the United States, as well as the ways in which sports can bridge cultural divides.

Throughout the film, Dumont skillfully weaves together archival footage, interviews, and stunning cinematography to create a powerful and thought-provoking portrait of Cuba. The film is a testament to the resilience of the Cuban people, who have weathered countless challenges over the course of their history. It is also an indictment of the communist regime that has ruled the country for over six decades, and the ways in which it has stifled political and artistic freedom.

Overall, Cuba: One Island, Two Faces is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in Cuba, its history, and its people. It challenges viewers to think critically about the complexities of this fascinating country, offering a nuanced and insightful perspective on one of the most unique nations in the world.

Cuba: One Island, Two Faces is a 2012 art house & international movie with a runtime of 51 minutes.