Watch Craving Cuba

Craving Cuba is a 2015 documentary film that follows the journey of journalist, Soledad O’Brien, as she delves into the complex and multi-layered cultural roots of Cuba. The film highlights the personal stories of various Cuban-Americans who left their homeland behind and now seek to reconnect with their roots. Throughout the film, viewers get a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the country, as well as the challenges that come with living under a Communist regime.

At the center of the film is the story of Father Albert Cutié, a Cuban-American priest who was at the forefront of national headlines in 2009 when he left the Catholic Church to become an Episcopalian. The film explores Father Cutié’s personal journey and his connection with the Cuban community. As Father Cutié journeys back to Cuba for the first time in over a decade, viewers are given unique access to his family history and the role that his Cuban culture has played in his life.

The film also introduces viewers to a range of other Cuban-Americans, including acclaimed novelist Cristina Garcia, actress Carmen Pelaez, and singer Carlos Ponce. Each shares their personal stories of growing up in the United States while feeling a deep connection to the Cuban culture. Through their personal anecdotes and observations, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the Cuban experience.

Craving Cuba paints a rich portrait of the Cuban-American community by highlighting the challenges and joys of preserving one’s cultural heritage while living in a new land. From the traditional Cuban dance, rumba, to the emotional process of reclaiming lost family connections decades after they were lost, the film portrays how the simple joys of culture continue to provide meaningful solace even when the country is quite literally physically different. Through a combination of interviews and personal experiences on the island, viewers gain an appreciation of the unique and bittersweet journey that Cuban-Americans face.

What makes the film even more poignant is its commentary on the political tensions between the United States and Cuba. Told through the lens of these personal stories, viewers are given a sense of the difficult history between the two countries, the impact of Cuban politics on the Cuban-American community, and the complex relationship that exists between the two countries. At a time when the US-Cuban political relationship is more in flux than ever, the stories of everyday Cuban-Americans provide a timely and meaningful reflection of the history that has unfolded. Ultimately, the film illustrates the importance of appreciating and protecting one's culture as a means of building meaningful lives and maintaining connection to the people and country that we call home.

Overall, Craving Cuba provides a powerful perspective into what it means to be part of the Cuban-American community. The personal stories of those featured in the film serve as a reminder of the complexities of culture and identity in the United States and what it means to maintain connection to one’s country of origin, even when it is physically out of reach. A meaningful portrait of love, sacrifice, and the universal human desire to belong, Craving Cuba is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the Cuban-American experience.

Craving Cuba is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes.