Andrew Lang’s first film ranks among the fairest portraits of Cuba by an outsider. Assembling an all-Cuban crew (including Domingo Triano, who worked on Memories of Underdevelopment) and granted full access to chronicle Havana’s Boxing Academy, he shows the forces that drive the institution and by extension Cuban society. It is also a defining historical document, as it captures the anxiety created in the wake of Fidel Castro’s retirement from office and withdrawal from public life. In its focus on three boys trained for Olympic Glory, Lang is able to evoke the complexity of contemporary Cuban society. Using the form of the observational documentary, interspersed with detailed interviews, Sons of Cuba portrays the various political and cultural influences that underlie a sport’s role in society.
Mr. Bongo’s definitive release of Sons of Cuba examines the film’s production in detail, featuring an exclusive director’s commentary. It also covers the release of the film, its impact following its successful reception in Cuba and around the world.
Beautifully structured story of sacrifice, companionship, grief and glory Time Out
The moving finale will have you weeping like a chump The Times
Andrew Lang's surefire crowd-pleaser is equal parts coming-of-age tale and sports drama...a knockout doc Variety
As moving and insightful a film as you'll see all year The Telegraph
A spectacle of yearning and heartbreak The Guardian
Extras: Miami's Cuban Boxers with Aaron Brown / The Return to Havana: A film about the Cuban premiere / Fabulous Picture Show and Rome Film Festival Interviews with Andrew Lang / Director's Commentary / Official Trailer
Cast & Credits: Cristian Martinez Noriega / Yosvani Bonachea Morgan / Santos Urgelles Diaz / Junior Menendez Lemar / Directed by Andrew Lang
Awards: British Independent Film Awards (2009): Nominated, Best Documentary / Havana Film Festival (2009): Won, Best Foreign Language Film / Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (2009): Won, Best Documentary / Malaga Spanish Film Festival (2010): Won, Audience Award / Rome Film Festival (2009): Won, Best Documentary / San Diego Latino Film Festival (2009): Won, Audience Award
Technical: 2009 / 89 minutes / Spanish with English subtitles / Dolby SR / 1.78 : 1 Colour / DVD PAL Multi Region / MRBDVD033
Licensed from Roco Films.
