Cabaret Cuba
Trailer - 'CABARET CUBA' (55min) Art House Documentary
A nostalgic arthouse documentary telling the true story of the five best dancers and choreographers of Cuba’s 1950s Cabaret and Carnival Dance.
Featuring: *Choreographers like Santiago Alfonso (de Yuli), Andrés Gutiérrez, Rafael Hernández, Armando & Alberto Perez Sanchez, Gilberto Boza, Humberto Medina *Singers like Luis Chacon Aspirina (de Buena Vista), Carmen Flores, Celia Cruz, Rita Montaner, Rosita Fornes, Caridad Cuervo, Haila, Farah Maria, Leticia Herrera, Gumna Yasser * Dancers like Lupe Guzman, Hildalina Lanuza Bravo, Alfredo Victor, Vidalina de Armas, Carburo y más ...
DIRECTOR: Madeleine Duba PRODUCERS: Madeleine Duba, Homero Gonzalez POST PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE PRODUCER Katie Ramsden
ABOUT: What was Tropicana? Founded in 1940s Havana, Tropicana cabaret was a pleasure dome, a dazzling and glamourous Cabaret show of singers and dancers in jaw-dropping sequined costumes performing alongside prestigious guests of the time, such as Nat King Cole, Carmen Miranda and Harry Belafonte. There were lots Cabarets in Havana, each with its own unique show. No one imitating the other. There was so much creativity. Their influence placed Cuba on the map as one of the most desired destinations to visit. This documentary is an opportunity to see behind the scenes of an almost forgotten art, Cabaret Cuba focusing on the only two remaining Cabaret in Havana; 'Cabaret Tropicana' and 'Cabaret Parisien'. It captures a moment in history that has been neglected by the wider world despite the worldwide success of the Cabaret Tropicana. A culture with so much to show and yet so much hidden. Czech-Swiss born award-winning filmmaker Madeleine Duba, nominated for BAFTA, British Animation Award, Gold Priz Leonardo, points the focus via an on-the- ground documentary style, and offers the opportunity to open the doors to the Cuban national identity, a fusion that spans European, Spanish and African ancestry in its ownunique nature and culminates in a stage show like no other. It showcases the full breadth of Cuban movements and rhythms from cabaret and street salsa to Carnival and Afro-Cuban dance, from the classically trained ballerinas to the street dancers of Havana. Produced by Cuban 'Variety Show Formation-trained' Tropicana dancer, Homero Gonzalez, now a London based choreographer, we trace his life in Cuba, the different stages that he went through; Afrocubano, Carnival and Cabaret in the artistic company 'Antonio Maria Romeo', followed by his work in Turarte. Homero introduces several choreographers, dancers and singers he worked with, as he lives and breathes the art form and culture of Cuban dance.
