The Havana Film Festival New York (HFFNY) is an internationally recognized film festival celebrating Latin American cinema. In its 24th anniversary the Festival features over 30 films that demonstrate the richness of Latin American culture and its effects on global filmmaking, including NY, US and World Premieres of contemporary cinema from the region; award-winning documentaries that explore iconic Latinx literary, cinematic, and musical figures; and retrospectives of remastered classic films that have left an indelible mark on cinematic production around the world. Special events include panels on alternative film markets and indie filmmaking in the U.S. and Latin America, presentations and masterclasses by some of Latin America’s most celebrated artistic figures, roundtable discussions with industry professionals, networking receptions, parties, and more!
Schedule of Events:
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: La Ultima Cena / The Last Supper
Part of Laughing through Rebellion: The Cine Libre of Tomás Gutiérrez Alea
A showcase of six iconic films, newly restored by the Academy Film Archive and presented in collaboration with the Cohen Film Collection
Film is subtitled in English and will be preceded by an introduction by Luciano Castillo, Director of the Cuban Film Archive (Cinemateca de Cuba)
La Ultima Cena / The Last Supper
Tomás Gutiérrez Alea | Cuba | Fiction | 1976 | 120 min
A powerful exploration of race, religion, and colonialism in Cuba during the 18th century. Set on a remote plantation, it follows the lives of a group of African slaves who rebel against their Spanish masters. Alea's masterful direction brings to life the complexities of power dynamics and resistance in a visually stunning and emotionally gripping narrative.
3:20 PM - 4:40 PM: El Castillo / The Castle
Martin Benchimol | Argentina | Documentary | 2023 | 80 min | NY Premiere
Having worked as a maid her whole life, Justina's former employer leaves her an enormous mansion deep in the Argentinian Pampa. The only condition is that she must never sell it. As the house falls to pieces and the farm animals are sold off, Alexia, her daughter, gets ready to return to the city.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Santa Cancion / Blessed Song
Juan Carlos Travieso Fajardo | Cuba | Documentary | 2023 | 71 min | US Premiere
Followed by a Q&A with director Juan Carlos Travieso
In Cuba, there is a magical city intoxicated with lights, legends, and songs. The Longina Troubadours Meeting was born there, bringing together the youngest figures of the singer/song-writer genre. This documentary explores the movement's past, present, and future.
6:45 PM - 8:10 PM: El Caso Monroy / The Monroy Affaire
Josue Mendez | Peru-Venezuela | Fiction | 2023 | 95 min | NY Premiere
Followed by a Q&A with director Josue Mendez
Ronnie Monroy, about to turn 65 and face retirement, discovers the Women's Prison, where he finds a new purpose. He helps inmates recover their freedom and start life anew. But what seems driven by generosity and affection, is really guided by a perverse need to exert power.
8:50 PM - 10:20 PM: Heroico / Heroic
David Zonana | Mexico-Sweden | Fiction | 2022 | 88 min | NY Premiere
For young men in Mexico who are desperate to escape a life of poverty and lack of prospects, often the only option is to find work in organizations characterized by violence, either in the drug trade, or the military. Since his mother is ill and in need of expensive medication, 18-year-old Luis – who has Indigenous roots – opts for the latter. The national military academy, or “Heroico Colegio Militar”, is steeped in tradition. He experiences an extremely rigorous training program built upon unconditional obedience and the breaking of an individual’s personality. The rift between his responsibility to his mother and his own values pushes him to his limits.
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