The director of the Museum of Image “Bernabé Muñiz Guibernau” has been penalized for screening documentaries from filmmakers associated with the National Assembly of Filmmakers, an organization not recognized by the Cuban state, according to an official document shared on social media.
Demian Rabilero del Castillo was sanctioned for scheduling a series of documentaries by these filmmakers during the III Week of Audiovisuals, held from April 8 to April 13, 2024.
“During this week, documentaries are screened, and in the curation done by comrade Demián, the Assembly of Cuban Filmmakers appears, with a day dedicated to them on Saturday, April 13, where documentaries that do not align with our country's cultural policy would be shown,” the document, shared by the affected party on his Facebook profile, stated.
According to the document, the mentioned museum director failed to “communicate any incident” to the Provincial Heritage Center.
“The situation is worsened by the fact that this Association donated books to the Museum, and the comrade in question made a video promoting the week, showcasing the donation, and personally thanking the Association, which he posted on his Facebook profile, with all the implications that entails,” the document noted.
After sharing this incident, Demián stated he had no regrets. “I have done nothing wrong and would do it again. We have lived and seen too much to know that the hand that rocks the cradle and orders, today may bring flowers to yesterday’s defenestrated, but its ineptitude and its poetry are terrible.”
The Museum of Image is unique on the Island and is located in the Vista Alegre neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba. The facility is divided into four permanent exhibition rooms covering the history of photography, cinema, radio, and television. It includes a protocol hall, a cinema and video room, and a film vault, where 16mm materials on various subjects are preserved.
Consequences of Screening Unapproved Documentaries in Cuba
The incident involving Demian Rabilero del Castillo has raised several questions about the cultural policies in Cuba and the repercussions for those who defy them. Below are some frequently asked questions about this issue.
What was the reason for Demian Rabilero del Castillo's punishment?
Demian Rabilero del Castillo was punished for screening documentaries from the National Assembly of Filmmakers, an unrecognized organization by the Cuban state, during the III Week of Audiovisuals.
What were the official reasons given for his punishment?
The official document cited his failure to communicate incidents to the Provincial Heritage Center and his promotion of the event and the Association’s donation on his Facebook profile.
What is the significance of the Museum of Image in Cuba?
The Museum of Image is unique in Cuba, located in Santiago de Cuba, and it features permanent exhibitions on the history of photography, cinema, radio, and television, along with other facilities.