An excellent example of an historical drama, a genre in which Cuban filmmakers excel. The Eye of the Canary is inspired by the little-known early years of José Martí, the great 19th century Cuban poet and activist, father of Cuban independence and national hero. The film tracks the boy’s growing political awareness, alternating between a grim realism and quiet poetic moments. It reveals Martí’s earliest experiences of politics and his connection with nature, elements that progressively forged his anti-colonial ideas. Pérez wanted the film to ‘humanise’ Martí and bring him ‘closer to young people’. The remarkable crafting of the character in a complex story is yet another outstanding achievement of Cuba’s foremost contemporary director.

José Martí, El Ojo del Canario / José Martí, The Eye of the Canary | Fernando Pérez | Cuba 2010 | 1h45m | Spanish with English subtitles| 18

BOOK TICKETS 6pm, Tuesday 19 March 2024 at The Garden Cinema.