Irene in Havana, produced by América TeVé, is the first film made by a U.S. TV network about the Cuban exile.
Shot clandestinely in Cuba, the film is the story of a Spanish young rebel who travels to the island in search of answers and get disillusioned knowing the reality of the Castro dictatorship.
The 30-minute short film revolves around a moving love story framed in the tragic process that Cubans over 60 years have been living the painful experience of exile.
Directed by prestigious filmmaker Lilo Vilaplana, with a screenplay by journalist Juan Manuel Cao, the short film is starred by Irene Díaz, in her debut as an actress, and Ariel Texidó, one Cuba’s and Latin America’s favorite actors in both television and cinema. Both accompanied by a stellar cast that brings together legendary career figures in such as María Teresa Rojas, Sandra Pérez, Carlos Cruz and Luis Felipe Bagos.
This production, which marks a milestone in the film and television industry of the United States, was conducted by Carlos Vasallo, Emilio Braun, Miguel Cossío and Marcell Felipe. The clandestine filming in Havana was a huge technical and logistical effort carried out by an experienced technical team who challenged the ferocious controls imposed by the Cuban authorities.
Vasallo, president of America CV Network, commented that this production reaffirms América TeVe commitment with the history of the Cuban exile and the South Florida community.
“We are proud to produce this short film, which marks a milestone in the Cuban filmography. We risk filming clandestinely in Cuba and where we are gathering the fruits of our efforts with unique work that excels both in direction and performance showing that when you strive you can obtain anything you work for,” noted Vasallo.
America CV Network’s VP, Emilio Braun, pointed out that this short film kicks off a new effort in the company. “We will start producing much more content with this type of format that is very attractive focusing on specific niches that viewers are looking for,” added Braun.
The film will premiere on Tuesday, November 27th at 8pm at the Manuel Artime Theater in Little Havana at 900 SW 1 Street, Miami, 33130.