RESISTANCE CINEMA proudly presents “FIDEL” a film by Estela Bravo, First Run Features, A Bravo film and Fort Point Entertainment Production, Executive Producer Estela Bravo and David Frankel, directed by Estela Bravo, 2001, 91 minutes
WHEN: Sunday May 4th 1:15pm
WHERE: Community Church NYC Gallery Room 28 east 35th st. @ Park ave
ADMISSION: Free, donations appreciated
Since the Cuban revolution of 1959 the figure of Fidel Castro has infuriated every U.S. administration of whatever political stripe. The target of attempted overthrows, assassination plots and unrelenting harassment, Castro and his revolution have survived and finally this year the Cuban leader can say that he stepped down on
his own terms. To make a film on any political leader is to guarantee accusations of bias one way or another and lack of objectivity. What makes Estela Bravo’s film so compelling is that her affection for her subject is so sincere and heartfelt that it rises above petty propaganda and stands as a warm personal tribute to her hero.
Fidel covers 40 years of the Cuban revolution and is unprecedented in providing its viewers with an understanding of Cuba and its leader. Ms. Bravo uses exclusive archival footage and a remarkable mix of interviews with Fidel. She includes such luminaries as Harry Belafonte, Aleida Guevera (Che's daughter), Alice Walker, Ramsey Clark, Sydney
Pollack, Angela Davis and longtime friend of Castro, We hear from journalists, both in Miami and Cuba, guerrillas who fought in the revolution, politicians, writers, musicians, scientists, old teachers, family and friends. There are priceless and touching exchanges between Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro. Alice Walker (The Color Purple) talks about her great admiration for the man then breaks off, puzzling over the fact that she's heard he can't dance.
There is clearly a side to Fidel that Americans have not been privy to. Historian Leal Eusebio agrees. "During this time," he says, "Fidel has made Cuba the critical conscience of Latin America."
Estela Bravo's Fidel offers in-depth portrait of the enduring international leader who
stood up to the U.S. and who is admired the world over as a champion of the poor and powerless.