Cinemateca de Cuba’s March Program: A Celebration of Cinema Through the Ages

This Wednesday at Sala 23 y 12, the traditional El cine: medio siglo atrás series will conclude with a special screening of Dersu Uzala, directed by the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. This series revisits remarkable films made 50 years ago, offering a window into the past of cinematic excellence.

A Soviet-Japanese co-production, Dersu Uzala stars Yuri Solomin and Maxim Munzuk in leading roles. As Uruguayan critic Manuel Martínez Carril notes, “The entire film is a testament to the love of life, nature, and the forces that govern the universe, but also a masterclass in filmmaking, presented with a simplicity and almost imperceptible mastery that perfectly aligns with its essence.” The film has earned prestigious accolades, including the Golden Prize and the FIPRESCI Award at the 1975 Moscow Film Festival, the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1975, and the David di Donatello Award for Best Foreign Film. This screening will also honor the late Yuri Solomin, an exceptional actor who passed away in 2024.

The Nos dijeron adiós series, also concluding this Wednesday, pays homage to film industry figures who passed away last year.

As part of its vibrant March offerings, Cinemateca de Cuba will premiere the British film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, directed by John Madden and featuring an all-star cast, including Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, and Tom Wilkinson. This heartwarming film has been recognized with two Golden Globe nominations (Best Comedy Film and Best Actress in a Comedy for Judi Dench), a BAFTA nomination for Best British Film, and a European Film Award nomination for the Audience Award.

In addition, Cinemateca will celebrate the centenary of legendary American actor Jack Lemmon’s birth with a special retrospective. This event will launch the Filmes pendientes de exhibición series, which showcases films that, for various reasons, could not be screened in the previous year.

March will also bring the inaugural International Restored Film Festival, running from March 24 to 30. This exciting event will take place at Sala 23 y 12 and other cinemas throughout Havana, offering audiences the opportunity to experience beautifully restored cinematic treasures.

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez

Photo: Espinof