Prepare to immerse yourself in the vibrant and resilient world of Cuban cinema this July, as The New Theatre proudly hosts the annual Cuban Film Festival Dublin. From Friday, July 25th, to Sunday, July 27th, this three-day event celebrates the enduring artistry of the island nation, showcasing the creative spirit that thrives even under the weight of an ongoing economic embargo.

Festival Highlights
The festival features a curated selection of films, promising a rich tapestry of Cuban storytelling:

• Opening Night & Irish Premiere – Friday, July 25th, 18:00 (Film Screening & Social): The festival opens with the highly anticipated Irish premiere of the 2024 Cuban documentary, “La
  Raíz Del Olivo / The Root of the Olive Tree.” This poignant film explores the spirit, memory, and culture of Palestinian people currently residing in Cuba after the destruction of their homes following October 7th.
• Saturday, July 26th, 13:00 (Film Screening): “Ciudad En Rojo / City in Red” (2009) depicts the fierce resistance to the Batista dictatorship in Santiago de Cuba at the beginning of
  the revolution. Based on the book of the same name, it unfolds over 24 hours through the eyes of young underground members confronting the moral complexities of armed struggle.
• Saturday, July 26th, 16:30 (Film Screening & Social): Experience the mind-bending “El Mundo de Nelsito / The World Of Nelsito” (2023). This film centers on a 16-year-old autistic teenager who, after a car accident while running away, reveals the dark and hidden sides of those around him, offering a unique depiction of Cuban youth and imagination.
• Sunday, July 27th, 14:00 (Film Screening): Critically acclaimed as “one of the most sophisticated films ever to come out of Cuba,” “Memories of Underdevelopment” (1968) focuses on
  a Cuban man cycling through his opinions and memories as the threat of foreign invasion intensifies and his family moves to Miami.

Exhibition
From Friday, July 25th, to Saturday, August 9th, Connolly Books will host an exclusive exhibition of Cuban Film Posters. These posters are registered as a Documentary World Heritage by UNESCO, recognized for their “great creative originality, graphic beauty, and communicative effectiveness.”

Through film screenings, discussions, and a vibrant social atmosphere, the festival aims to foster a deeper understanding of Cuba's cultural wealth and the determination of its artists to share their stories with the world.