The 9th European Film Festival in Cuba—which, for the first time, has expanded its venues beyond Havana. It continues this Monday with a diverse lineup of films. Including *Yuli*, a work inspired by the renowned dancer Carlos Acosta.
Directed by Icíar Bollaín, this 2018 film reflects the life of the Cuban dancer and choreographer. An artist celebrated both at home and abroad for his extraordinary stage talent. With his unique ability to bring together, through art, multiple generations of performers.
The film was shot on location in Havana, London, and Madrid. It is set in the present day, following the protagonist as he returns to the Cuban capital to create a piece of choreography based on his own life.
“Reliving my past—acting it out and dancing it—during the filming process was an intense and painful experience,” Acosta once confessed.
*No Way Home*, a book Acosta wrote in 2007 detailing the ups and downs of his career. Served as the inspiration for screenwriter Paul Laverty to craft the script for *Yuli*—Acosta’s childhood nickname.
Those feet—which first touched the dance floor almost by necessity—would eventually lead Carlos Acosta to the pinnacle of his profession. A craft he has truly made his own and shared with the world, infused with the spirit of Cuba.
Thanks to his father, he took his first steps—initially more out of obligation than choice. Into a discipline that soon became an inseparable companion and a key partner in his well-deserved triumphs within the world of dance.
In addition to *Yuli*, the festival program features the Hungarian film *Without Air* (which opened the event) and *Peacock*, by Austrian director Bernhard Wenger. Also the musical comedy *¡Gloria!*, by Italian filmmaker Margherita Vicario, among others.
Moreover the event runs until November 15th and features 18 representative films from 16 European countries.
A key new development is the event’s expansion into the provinces of Villa Clara, Sancti Spiritus, Camagüey, Holguin, Las Tunas, and Granma.
Another highlight is the inclusion of alternative cultural spaces in the city. Such as La Tizza Films, El Proyecto, and Estudio 50. An initiative aimed at broadening the venues where audiences can engage with cinema and its stories.
The festival is part of “Europe Month” (October 22nd to November 22nd) and is organized by the European Union Delegation to Cuba. In collaboration with EU member states, the Cinematheque of Cuba, and the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC).
With information from Prensa Latina
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