US 2021, 114 min Director COREY MCLEAN
Not your average, predictable sports movie, Havana Libre is about chasing an elusive dream and also about a country and a people who in so many ways have been exiled from the rest of the world. This inspiring new documentary offers up an exciting window into the lives of a passionate group of young Cubans led by “surf pioneers” Yaya Guerrero and Frank Gonzáles Guerra, who are determined to make a place for surfing in their country’s cultural identity. Although surfing has recently become an official Olympic sport, it has long been an illegal activity in Cuba. This doesn’t stop these underground athletes from riding the waves while also taking on the political challenges to legitimize their passion and share it with others. With beautiful cinematography and intimate access, director Corey McLean takes us on a five-year journey with this group of engaging women and men as they attempt to overcome borders. In Spanish with English subtitles