East of Havana

Watch East of Havana

"Words will set them free."
  • NR
  • 2007
  • 1 hr 22 min
  • 6.4  (83)
  • 70

East of Havana is a gripping documentary that takes viewers on a journey through the vibrant and complex world of hip-hop culture in Cuba. The film follows three young aspiring rappers - Mikki Flow, Magyori and Soandry - as they struggle to pursue their musical dreams in a society that is still struggling to overcome political and economic hardships.

The movie begins with a vivid portrayal of the daily struggles faced by these young artists, who come from some of the poorest neighborhoods in Havana. We are introduced to Mikki Flow, a young man with a talent for writing catchy, politically charged lyrics. Despite his deep passion for hip-hop, Mikki faces numerous obstacles in his quest to become a successful rapper. His family is deeply skeptical of his dreams, and he is forced to navigate a world of underground rap battles and police repression just to get his music heard.

Magyori is another young rapper featured in the film. Like Mikki, she has a raw and undeniable talent for music, but is frequently held back by poverty and lack of resources. Her story embodies the struggles of many young Cuban artists, who lack access to proper recording equipment and are forced to rely on makeshift studios and homegrown production methods.

Soandry, the third rapper featured in East of Havana, is perhaps the most memorable of the three. A charismatic young man with a deep passion for music, Soandry embodies the spirit of the Cuban hip-hop movement. He is a magnetic performer who draws audiences in with his energy and enthusiasm, and is deeply committed to using hip-hop as a means of social and political change.

Through their stories, East of Havana shows us the many challenges faced by young musicians in Cuba. From the lack of resources and infrastructure to the oppressive political climate, these young artists face an uphill battle just to get their voices heard. Yet despite these obstacles, they continue to persevere, using their music as a means of expressing their experiences and advocating for change.

In addition to the personal stories of these three rappers, the film also sheds light on the broader cultural and political context in which they operate. We see how Cuban hip-hop has evolved over time, from its origins in the 1980s with artists like the Orishas to the underground scene that exists today. We also see how the genre has become a powerful tool for social and political commentary, with many rappers using their music to speak out against government corruption, poverty, and inequality.

Overall, East of Havana is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a rare glimpse into the world of hip-hop culture in Cuba. Through its engaging characters and compelling storytelling, the movie sheds light on a complex and often misunderstood movement that is transforming the cultural landscape of this unique and fascinating island nation.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2007
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 22 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.4  (83)
  • Metascore
    70