Filmmaker Lilo Vilaplana shared on social media that his movie “Plantadas” is attracting an increasing number of viewers in Cuba, despite facing censorship due to its tribute to political prisoners who were victims of Castro's regime. "From Cuba, people are sending me pictures of how they are watching 'Plantadas' even in parks," Vilaplana noted on Facebook.
The filmmaker emphasized that the film is "gradually spreading across Cuba" and mentioned that it is available on the streaming platform VIX. From within Cuba, the film can be accessed using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service.
Last May, activist Yamila Maceo announced on Facebook that: “‘Plantadas’ is now on VIX. My people in Cuba, download a VPN and I'll send you the link to the movie.”
The film, directed by Lilo Vilaplana, follows three women who fight to restore and stabilize democracy in Cuba until their revolution's leader betrays them, according to the streaming platform Vix. The platform highlights that the women "must survive in a prison where their rights are violated without regard for their condition as women," reflecting the constant abuses that occur in Cuban prisons.
“Plantadas,” filmed in 2022, features performances by Alina Robert, Claudia Toma, Rachel Vallori, Yuliet Cruz, Ariel Texidó, Daniel Romero, Luis Manuel Álvarez, Lily Rentería, Larisa Vega, Amarilys Núñez, Juanita Baró, Vivian Ruiz, and Frank Egusquiza. The script was written by Ángel Santiesteban, Ninoska Pérez, and Lilo Vilaplana himself, who co-directed the film with his son Camilo.
Vilaplana had previously released the film "Plantados" in 2021, which is dedicated to honoring the memory of all political prisoners who spent years in Cuban jails for opposing the dictatorship. The film depicts the harrowing experiences of political prisoners who never yielded to the regime's attempts to treat them as common criminals, asserting their status as prisoners of conscience, often at the cost of their lives.
Understanding the Impact of "Plantadas" in Cuba
Given the significance of "Plantadas" and its bold portrayal of political prisoners in Cuba, here are some key questions and answers to help understand the film's impact and accessibility.
How can Cubans watch "Plantadas" despite censorship?
Cubans can watch "Plantadas" by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access the film on the streaming platform VIX.
What is the main storyline of "Plantadas"?
"Plantadas" follows three women fighting to restore democracy in Cuba, only to be betrayed by their revolution's leader and imprisoned, where they face constant rights violations.
Who are some of the main actors in "Plantadas"?
The film stars Alina Robert, Claudia Toma, Rachel Vallori, Yuliet Cruz, Ariel Texidó, Daniel Romero, Luis Manuel Álvarez, Lily Rentería, Larisa Vega, Amarilys Núñez, Juanita Baró, Vivian Ruiz, and Frank Egusquiza.