Subject: So. Studies/Sciences: Geography/Cultures

Latin American Studies Series

Cuba: Viva La Revolucion?

"Recommended. This program includes interviews with Cuban residents, whose dissatisfaction is expressed in hushed tones from the streets, while teachers, Zone leaders, and other government officials praise Castro and his Revolution. The propaganda, from both sides, we discover is the same after more than 40 years." -EMRO Review
Cuba has long prided itself on a unique revolution. Here, all races were to be equal, resources shared and happiness measured by other standards than material wealth. To many Latin Americans, Fidel Castro was indeed a legendary figure, the only one of their leaders to stand up to the United States. But, under its colorful and defiant surface, Cuba remains a country in crisis. Havana is crumbling, most cars are left over from the 1950s and shop shelves are gaping bare. The average wage has fallen to $9 a month and the socialist safety net is in threads. Without dollars many Cubans go hungry and heavy jail terms are handed out to those who publicly criticize the state. As a last resort, the Cuban government is investing in tourism. After decades of anti-American propaganda, five star hotels are being built all over the island; however, these are reserved for tourists and wealthy Cubans. Despite the promise of a better Cuba, the question remains, has socialism helped the country? This program captures the charming but desperate nature of Cuba today and allows viewers to decide for themselves; it also raises another question: On February 19, 2008 Castro announced his resignation as President, five days later his brother, Raúl, was elected as the new President; how long will Cubans continue to say, "Viva La Revolucion?" Produced by Journeyman Pictures. 07DR JSCA 30 min.
Also See: Cuba and Human Rights; Cuba, Guatemala, El Salvador Perspectives; Cuba