The Windsor International Film Festival did a drive-in type experience last fall. The film list was mostly safe, older, not Canadian films. The lone exception was The Cuban at least in terms of being a new film and Canadian. American actor Louis Gossett Jr. played Luis Garcia, a former Cuban jazz musician dealing with dementia.
Mina (Ana Golja) wants to be a doctor and is working in a nursing home run by her aunt. She is warned that Garcia is a difficult patient. Mina sees an old Cuban jazz music poster on his wall and starts to ask questions.
Turns out Mina, who is of Afghan descent, is a fan of old Cuban jazz. She lives in a city (Toronto?) that happens to have a club devoted to Cuban jazz.
Mina plays some of the old music, which brings Luis to life. She feeds him Cuban food, which makes him happy.
Though her friend's boyfriend, she meets Kris (Giacomo Gianniotti), who happens to be an expert of dealing with dementia. Kris is also good looking and is helpful to Mina. His character disappeared from what seems a key part of the film.
Mina deals with the resistance from her aunt Bano (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and the play-by-the-rules head nurse Baker (Lauren Holly). They want to play things by the book.
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The best way to watch The Cuban is to suspend reality on multiple layers. There are really nice moments with Mina and Luis.
Sergio Navarretta directed the script from Alessandra Piccione. They put together a sweet film with some continuity issues in terms of a timeline. The minor characters are brought in as needed and then put on a shelf when not needed.
Turns out Mina is also a singer, which is helpful since Ana Golja is also a singer. There is a nice theme about different cultures getting along.
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When people aren't sure whether a film is Canadian or American, consider that Canada's relationship with Cuba hasn't been filled with embargoes like the U.S. relationship. Canadians vacation in Cuba without a concern over spending money or government suspicion.
The Cuban belonged in that gathering in Windsor. The film is a safe one. There is "conflict" but never feels deep in bad or good. You don't have to think too much, just enjoy the music.
The film was shot in Brantford and Brant County in southern Ontario.
video credit: YouTube/Brainstorm Media
photo credit: The Cuban film
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