Charlize Theron takes us “East of Havana”
*Sponsored Links*
Charlize Theron is back in Hollywood,not as an actress but as a producer , not of a movie but a documentary.
“East of Havana,” hit select theaters yesterday.She was on Good Morning America this week and this is what she said.
“East of Havana” focuses on the men and women of Cuba, their music, their life, and their quest for social justice. Theron said she was inspired by the young people she met while making the film, people who risked their lives by speaking out.
“It’s amazing to me how resilient people become; such a love for people who grow up in harsh landscapes,” she said. “They naturally have this instinct to survive, no matter what.”
Theron said that many of the young people she met questioned Fidel Castro’s regime.
“I think the younger generation is starting to say, ‘You know what, it doesn’t work. We’re not happy. We want to have freedom of speech. We want to be able to travel,’” she said.
Though “East of Havana” has political overtones, Theron said she didn’t set out to make the film with an agenda in mind. She let the political discussion happen organically.
*Sponsored Links*“I find sometimes when you let people speak, when you go into a country like that, naturally you’ll get the best insight on the political situation,” she said. “Just don’t force people to talk about it. We never did that.”
An Unlikely Inspiration
In 2004, Theron became a major player in Hollywood after winning a best actress Oscar for her role in “Monster.” The night of her win was pivotal for her career in more ways than one.
“That next morning, when I was still in leftover hair and makeup, we decided to make this film,” she said, referring to “East of Havana.”
This year, though, she won’t be able to attend the Oscars.
“I’m working,” she said. ”
The story :”Calling themselves “El Cartel,” a trio of underground rappers in Cuba struggle to get their music heard while bypassing the official government-sanctioned music industry. Growing by word of mouth thanks to their electrifying performances, they put all of their energy into creating a music festival, even as government officials and Hurricane Charley close in.
Genres: Documentary and Musical/Performing Arts
Running Time: 1 hr. 22 min.”
