Cuba and the Cameraman

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Cuba and the Cameraman

2017

1h 53m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

100%

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8 Reviews

93%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Life in Cuba over the course of 45 years, from the cautious optimism of the early 1970s to the harrowing 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union and the 2016 death of Fidel Castro. The focus is on three families and their growth and struggle.

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Glenn Kenny

New York Times

In part because of its political blind spots, "Cuba and the Cameraman" is captivating. (Whatever you think of Mr. Alpert's perspective, it's interesting.)

Nov 23, 2017

Full Review

David Ehrlich

IndieWire

The film's lifeblood can be found in its connective tissue, as Alpert continually revisits the same memorable assortment of Cuban peasants and city folk.

Rated: B+

Nov 22, 2017

Full Review

Sheri Linden

Los Angeles Times

But it's the salt-of-the-earth Borregos, a trio of farmer brothers and their sister, who give the film its most involving through-line, and its heart.

Nov 22, 2017

Full Review

Gisela Savdie

El Heraldo

A unique documentary that gives voice to real people in the island [Full review in Spanish]

Aug 24, 2021

Full Review

Brian Costello

Common Sense Media

Interesting but long docu on Cuba under Castro.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 5, 2017

Full Review

Kahron Spearman

The Daily Dot

He makes no bones about his leanings, and make no apologies, which lend significantly to the documentary. Whatever your politics, it's a stunning achievement.

Rated: 4.5/5

Nov 30, 2017

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Heidi G

I found it very interesting as far as the history and showing the life of the Cuban people. However, from the 1995 visit on, I found the questions and commentary to be mocking and thoughtless. Things like "you used to be an engineer and now you're selling this on the street?" while laughing. And when the farmers lost all of their animals, there was no compassion. Asking why the one gentleman was so upset. No thoughtfulness or compassion from the cameraman.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

04/02/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Absolutely ignorant and an insult to the many that died whether it was fleeing the government, imprisoned, or at sea seeking freedom. As a child of Cuban immigrants this was disgusting to see. I have family that are starving so listening to an ignorant American man praise Castro is enraging

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The Jon Alpert's film has no political ideas, just ideas mixed with humanism. Because of that it's so magical and touching. 8/10

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Is neither a historical or social experiment . Lack clarity from a social a political perspective .

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This film really puts into perspective how the Cuban revolution impacts normal every day people. It is impossible not to empathize with Cubans and understand the complexity beyond disliking or supporting Castro. If you want to live through history it is a must watch. What an amazing documentary!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I just couldn't believe how good that was. It seems like the work of a lifetime for the creators.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

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Jon Alpert

Director

Jon Alpert

Actor

Jon Alpert

Writer

Jon Alpert

Producer

Matthew O'Neill

Producer

Tessa Treadway

Producer

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Cuba and the Cameraman: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Life in Cuba over the course of 45 years, from the cautious optimism of the early 1970s to the harrowing 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union and the 2016 death of Fidel Castro. The focus is on three families and their growth and struggle.

Director: Jon Alpert
Producer: Jon Alpert, Matthew O'Neill, Tessa Treadway
Screenwriter: Jon Alpert
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 24, 2017
Runtime: 1h 53m

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