Cuban Film "Fresa y Chocolate"

A.N.S.W.E.R. Film Series
Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate)

With a report and discussion about the gains made within the Cuban revolution for LGBT rights

Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberries and Chocolate) is a Cuban-made film set in Havana in 1979. The director, Tomas Gutierrez Alea is one of the most prominent filmmakers working in Cuba's government-supported film institute, the Instituto Cubano del Arte
e Industria Cinematograficos (ICAIC). Alea is a committed revolutionary; and his best features explore the social, political, and historical dimensions of the revolutionary process.

In Fresa y Chocolate, the director traces the relationship between a young gay man and a revolutionary-minded straight man. One battles alienation, while the other his long-held prejudices. At first their interactions are atagonistic, but grow to be genuine and substantial. This is an intricate and layered film, deftly combining comedy and drama. The only film released by ICAIC in 1994 at the height of the “special period”, it had a significant impact on Cuban society. Given the profound economic crisis gripping Cuba during this time, it is astonishing that a feature such as Fresa y Chocolate could be produced. 1994, Cuba, Spanish with English subtitles, 108min.
$5 donation.