Screen Cuban has done it again! The Festival has recently paid £6,700 to the Colombian Film Heritage Foundation as requested by the Cuban Film Institute (ICAIC), to support ICAIC’s project to restore many of its important classic films in its archive. Last year we donated £3000, enabling the restoration of two early cartoons about Elpidio Valdés, the work of the late Cuban filmmaker Juan Padrón. However, our recent donation makes possible the restoration of four more shorts by Padrón – El Machete (1975), Elpidio Valdés asalta al convoy (1976),El Clarin Mambí(1976) and Elpidio Valdés vs. policia de New York (1976). The funds were raised from the proceeds from screenings, merchandise sales and donations.

The accomplishments of the Festival and our supporters have been welcomed widely in Cuba.  On social media, the president of ICAIC, Alexis Triana, described this latest donation as “the best news,” coinciding with the institute celebrating the 65th anniversary of its animation studios.