Since its inception, fostering cultural exchange between the people of the United States and Cuba has been a cornerstone of the Minnesota Cuban Film Festival. Now in its 17th year, the annual event recently returned to the city of Minneapolis.
Greg Klave, representing the Minnesota Cuba Committee—a key organizing partner—noted that this latest edition marks a long-standing history of collaboration with the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC) and the MSP Film Society. Speaking with Prensa Latina, Klave highlighted the festival's role in showcasing emerging directors, authentic Cuban locations, and local talent to a growing Minnesota audience, many of whom are now inspired to travel to the island as a result of the festival’s influence.
The festival’s closing night was attended by Ambassador Lianys Torres, Head of the Cuban Mission in the United States. “We are very pleased to have finally made this trip to Minnesota and to witness the profound solidarity with Cuba that exists here,” she stated.
For the grand finale of this month-long cinematic celebration, organizers selected El Misterio de la Música Cubana: La Clave (The Mystery of Cuban Music: La Clave). Directed by Kurt Hartel, the documentary pays tribute to the nation’s rich musical heritage, tracing its Afro-Cuban roots and their fusion with African and European influences.
A special guest for the evening was Gloria Echevarría Portal, known professionally as Gloria “La Niña” Rivera, who performed alongside her trio. She carries an extraordinary musical legacy: her mother was a prominent singer of the filin genre (a Spanish adaptation of "feeling") in 1960s Cuba, and her father was the legendary Andrés Echevarría Callava, better known as “El Niño Rivera.” A master composer, arranger, and tres player, "El Niño" is hailed as the “father of harmony on the tres” for his groundbreaking harmonic contributions to the instrument, which remains a staple of traditional Cuban music.
Since 2010, the Minnesota Cuba Film Festival (MCFF) has brought the best of Cuban cinema to the Midwest, focusing on both the achievements and the daily challenges of the Cuban people. “Thank you for making the 17th Minnesota Cuban Film Festival a resounding success! We are deeply grateful to our audience, partners, sponsors, and volunteers for creating such a wonderful celebration of Cuban cinema and culture,” the festival’s official page shared.
(Taken from Prensa Latina)
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