Handout for Using Films in Cross Cultural Learning
NAFSA Conference, Los Angeles, CA
Wednesday, May 27, 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Films from a course entitled: Cuba: A Reflection of History and Society Fall 2008
Taught by Lee Zeigler at Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning, University of San Francisco
Taught by Lee Zeigler at Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning, University of San Francisco
September 16: Cuba Mia (documentary) 2002 85 minutes
This depiction of an all-female chamber orchestra in Havana and the members’ preparation for a major concert shows the lives of each participant and their family relationships-- a slice of Cuban life, outstandingly photographed, including notable musical performances.
This depiction of an all-female chamber orchestra in Havana and the members’ preparation for a major concert shows the lives of each participant and their family relationships-- a slice of Cuban life, outstandingly photographed, including notable musical performances.
September 23: The Last Supper (La Ultima Cena) (feature) 1976 110 minutes
Based on an historical incident in 18th Century Cuba , the film shows the tale of a wealthy sugar plantation owner who decides to improve his soul and instruct his slaves in the glories of Christianity. It reveals the African cultural heritage preserved by the slaves.
Based on an historical incident in 18th Century Cuba , the film shows the tale of a wealthy sugar plantation owner who decides to improve his soul and instruct his slaves in the glories of Christianity. It reveals the African cultural heritage preserved by the slaves.
September 30: Death of a Bureaucrat (La Muerte de un Burocrata) (feature) 1966 87 minutes
This hilarious and sharp-witted satire is the story of a young man’s attempt to fight the bureaucratic system of the new, revolutionary regime. It managed to poke fun at the government and get away with it.
This hilarious and sharp-witted satire is the story of a young man’s attempt to fight the bureaucratic system of the new, revolutionary regime. It managed to poke fun at the government and get away with it.
October 7: Suite Habana (documentary) 2003 80 minutes
A sensitive look at the lives of a dozen residents of Havana over 24 hours of their diverse occupations, activities, and aspirations, showing them as heroic strugglers of limited but livable means. Amazing photography, no dialog, no voice-overs.
A sensitive look at the lives of a dozen residents of Havana over 24 hours of their diverse occupations, activities, and aspirations, showing them as heroic strugglers of limited but livable means. Amazing photography, no dialog, no voice-overs.
October 14: Lucia, Part III (feature) 1969 43 minutes (and a showing of film posters)
Lucia is a dramatic triad of stories that describe, in 1895, 1933 and 196--, the participation of three Cuban women (all named Lucia) in their quest for liberation. We will see the third story, depicting post-Revolution life in the countryside and including the literacy movement of the early 60s. This session will include a projection of Cuban posters designed to publicize films and an explanation of the important role of posters in Cuban society.
Lucia is a dramatic triad of stories that describe, in 1895, 1933 and 196--, the participation of three Cuban women (all named Lucia) in their quest for liberation. We will see the third story, depicting post-Revolution life in the countryside and including the literacy movement of the early 60s. This session will include a projection of Cuban posters designed to publicize films and an explanation of the important role of posters in Cuban society.
October 21: A Successful Man (Un Hombre de Exito) (feature) 1985 103 minutes
Cuba’s history before the Revolution is chronicled in this story of two brothers, one a revolutionary man of action, the other an unscrupulous politician. There are colorful musical clips of decadent night club scenes.
Cuba’s history before the Revolution is chronicled in this story of two brothers, one a revolutionary man of action, the other an unscrupulous politician. There are colorful musical clips of decadent night club scenes.
October 28: Portrait of Teresa (Retrato de Teresa) (feature) 1979 103 minutes
The crisis of a marriage is accentuated when the husband’s sexist attitude and the wife’s desire to become more liberated clash in this portrait of Cuba in the ‘70s.
The crisis of a marriage is accentuated when the husband’s sexist attitude and the wife’s desire to become more liberated clash in this portrait of Cuba in the ‘70s.
November 4: Strawberry & Chocolate (Fresa y Chocolate) (feature) 1993 110 minutes
A college student and a gay acquaintance who loves the culture of his country build a complex relationship in the midst of social prejudices. Nominated for an Oscar as best foreign language film.
A college student and a gay acquaintance who loves the culture of his country build a complex relationship in the midst of social prejudices. Nominated for an Oscar as best foreign language film.
