12:00 (noon)
Comandante (2003)
A documentary film based on a wide-ranging interview with Fidel Castro by the acclaimed American independent filmmaker Oliver Stone, conducted over several days in February 2002. It also follows Fidel through the streets, where he mingles freely with Cuban citizens. In Spanish, with English subtitles. Running time: 99 minutes.
14:00
Land of Hope and Glory (1986)
A poster in Havana declares: “Our people will confront every type of difficulty, and they will overcome them.” This film examines some of the achievements of Castro’s Cuba and some of the difficulties that still remain to be overcome. Produced by Radharc Films. Running time: 40 minutes.
15:00
Memories of Underdevelopment (1968)
Considered a masterpiece of world cinema, this film depicts a drama that takes place during a transitory period in Cuban history, between the mercenaries’ attack on Playa Girón in 1961 and the “missile crisis” of 1962. The story is interspersed with fragments of newsreel, speeches, and film from hidden camera, which, despite the protagonist’s moral ambiguity, give the film a real sense of the momentous and revolutionary change occurring at that time in Cuba. Featuring Sergio Corrieri, Daisy Granados, and Eslinda Núñez. Written by Edmundo Desnoe (based on his novel Inconsolable Memories). Directed by Tomás Gutiérrez Alea. In Spanish, with English subtitles. Running time: 97 minutes.
The Progressive Film Club is a voluntary organisation dedicated to showing progressive films from all over the world. Struggles for people’s rights, for the rights of workers, of immigrants, of women, for national liberation and for social justice are some of the themes of the outstanding films we have selected. Showings are at the New Theatre in East Essex Street. www.progressivefilmclub.ie
