Cuban Film Flashcards
How did the Cuban revolution affect homosexuality?
Cuban revolution took place to create a socialist government. At first, Castro Cuban revolution symbolised the hope to improve the quality of life for the poor and the marginalised which led to many gay people supporting Castros ideals. They believed Castro’s egalitarian view on economics would also apply to social morality and that gay people would not have to live in the shadow. However, Castros government was just as homophobic as the government that came before the revolution, if not worse. Homosexuality was thought to have been a product of capitalism and due to socialist ideals, it had to be eradicated for this reason.
Who were the CDR?
The CDR were the secret police of Cuba that monitored every person in every neighbourhood who brutally punished those against the revolution. Due to homosexuality being seen as a product of capitalism, gay men were targets of being punished.
What policies did the Castro regime adopt to oppress homosexuals?
Throughout 60s and 70s, gay men were imprisoned for soliciting sex in public locations, loss of jobs due to homosexuality and homosexual artists were censored. From 1965 to 1968, openly homosexual men were rounded up into UMAP, which were camps designed to force homosexual men into the heterosexual ideal. Critics have now denounced UMAP camps as being nothing less than military labour camps with brutal facilities complete with physical and verbal mistreatment, dirt floors and chronic food shortages. Even Castro has admitted that many gay men were mistreated in these camps.
What was the exile of homosexuals like?
-Originally, most of those exiled were upper/middle class who fled believing that the revolution would not last long. However, all private property was quickly gathered up from those who had left the country. In 1980, after a fiasco with the Peruvian embassy, Castro allowed anyone who wanted to leave the country to leave. However, propaganda branded them as undesirables and scum. In Port Mariel, 125,000 Cubans reached the US despite coastguard a deterring them. Castro then rounded up mentally ill and mentally disabled and exported them along with refugees as if only crazy people wanted to leave Cuba.
What are Balseros?
Balseros was the name given to people who immigrated illegally in homemade vessels to neighbouring countries. These people objected to Castros regime.
How did the USA handle the sudden great amounts of immigration?
All immigration was illegal and so any Cuban found at sea was to be deported and handed to Cuban authorities. However, in 1955, if a Cuban managed to set their feet onto US soil, they were allowed to stay.
Why did the USA have rivalry with Cuba?
- Rivalry stemmed from the Cold War and its opposition to the Soviet Unions communist ideology. Both countries tried to spread their ideology and both feared another. When Cuba aligned with Russia, it became an enemy. The Cuban Nuclear Crisis did not help matters in 1962 when the USA found out that Cuba was a nuclear weapon base of Russia and was placed on high alert.
What was the Special Period of Cuba?
Started in 1989 due to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Cuba lost 80% of its imports of raw materials like gas and petrol. This led to a huge slump in Cuban economy, leading to a great famine. This led to a huge change in ideological stance and became more liberal, especially in the 90s. In 1993, Castro announced his belief that homosexuality wasn’t a choice and should not be discriminated against. LGBTs were then allowed to serve in the military, with music and film featuring sexuality more- leading to the film Fresa y Chocolate.
What is the synopsis of Fresa y Chocolate?
A man finds a friendship that conquers over politics. David is a student and communist- his girlfriend recently left him for shallow reasons. One day, David stops by to get ice cream where he meets Diego. David can tell that Diego is gay not only by his flamboyant manner but he is also eating strawberry ice cream. David is not impressed with Diegos obvious criticism to Castro (being gay is a criticism) but accepts Diegos invitation to his apartment. David knows Diego is looking for sex but David wants to see forbidden treasures such as American publications, music and scotch. Davids friend Miguel wants to use David to spy on Diego and turn him into the government but David enjoys the diversity of Diegos lifestyle and they become great friends.
What was the ICAIC?
Domestic Cuban ink production set up by the government to teach a large amount of the population. Due to high illiteracy rates, the government thought cinema was the best medium to reach the greatest amount. Wanted to show struggles of third world country.
Who was Tomas Gutierrez Alea?
Tomas Gutierrez Alea created many short films that had a sharp insight into post revolutionary Cuba. These films possessed a balance between dedication of the revolution and criticisms of the social and economic conditions of the country. He wanted to explore the effects of Spanish colonialism on Cuban identity. Cuban cinema rejected the perfection of Hollywood and wished for moves to create political and social change. Also the director of Fresas y Chocolate.
What is the plot of Memorias del Subdesarrollado?
Sergio is a wealthy aspiring writer who chooses to stay in Cuba after his wife and friends flee to Miami due to the revolution. Sergio look at the changes that have happened in Cuba due to the revolution and the effects of living in an underdeveloped country. He seeks to model his 16 year old virgin girlfriend into his ex wife but decides she is not suitable as she can not be manipulated.