CubaPLUS Magazine

The first film in the Cuban series TITOVERSE premiered this Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the genre. Created by Daniel Martín Subiaut and produced by DAMASU PRODUCCIONES in collaboration with ANIMADOS ICAIC, the project builds on the success of the Tito Reacciona shorts, which originally focused on the lives and legacies of prominent artistic figures.

In this new feature, Tito Reacciona is celebrating his 15th birthday. Upon blowing out the candles, a wish triggers the "TITOVERSE" time loop, forcing him to relive the day repeatedly. To break the cycle, he must defeat the creator of all childhood fears, aided by three female warriors of Cuban descent. Together, this newly formed superhero league embarks on their first mission: confronting a Japanese demon.

The screening was held at the animation department of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC). Alexis Triana, President of the institution, attended the event and underscored the film’s importance, particularly for the underlying values and lessons it imparts.

Speaking exclusively to CubaPLUS, Daniel Martín—who also serves as President of the Latin Institute of Music (ILM)—noted that this film represents a "giant qualitative leap," adding that "every child’s dream is to be a superhero."

When asked about his transition into animation after a career as a singer and songwriter, Martín recalled: "When I took over the presidency of the ILM, I saw the need for a spokesperson for a younger audience. It had to be a YouTuber, which is what children watch today. I shared the idea with my eldest son and told him I’d name the character Tito, his mother’s nickname for him. At eleven years old, he told me: ‘If he’s a YouTuber, then his name is TITO REACCIONA.’"

Martín, who also produces and directs, emphasized the personal significance of this creative endeavor: "It was a pending chapter in my life that I am finally bringing to fruition. Before I began singing at the Gran Teatro de la Habana at age eleven, I collaborated with Zunzún magazine. That is where I created my first characters, which are closely linked to this series—they were ninjas, and TITOVERSE is heavily influenced by martial arts."

Regarding his music career, he revealed it remains in a "fruitful hiatus," though he continues to record specifically for film soundtracks. "At the ILM, I’ve learned to delegate and travel only when absolutely necessary. Animation demands my constant presence, especially for this chapter, which is the cornerstone of the series—the blueprint for everything that follows. It is exciting to add another discipline to my career and see it succeed."

Reflecting on Tito Reacciona, a character that first debuted in 2028*, Martín noted its international reach at festivals in New York, Spain, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia. He expressed confidence that the character’s evolution into the superhero genre will be equally well-received.

Finally, he shared an exclusive announcement with this publication: the upcoming official opening of DAMASU PRODUCCIONES at a prestigious location in Havana. The studio already has one feature film in post-production, two in pre-production, and several short films in various stages of completion. "By February, following the 105th-anniversary celebration of the ILM in Mexico, we will be ready to open our doors wide."