Paco León, famed for his role as Luisma in the hit Spanish series "Aída," attended the screening of the documentary "Patria y Vida" on Monday afternoon at the Callao cinema on Madrid's bustling Gran Vía. This film, directed by Beatriz Luengo and produced by Yotuel Romero—who also performed the song that inspired the documentary—saw León's participation highlighted by YouTuber Dina Stars.
"Long live a free Cuba! There aren't enough prisons to hold so much talent," the beloved actor and director wrote on an Instagram story, resonating with the Cuban audience.
The Premiere's Notable Attendees
The event also drew part of the Cuban community residing in Spain's capital, featuring independent activists and journalists like Iliana Hernández, Avana de la Torre, Amelia Calzadilla, Magdiel Jorge Castro, and Luz Escobar, as well as Rocío Monasterio, former Vox leader in Madrid.
Luengo announced that starting October 18, the film would be available in Spanish theaters. Yotuel shared an image showcasing the cities where the documentary would be screened, including Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Málaga, Cádiz, Sevilla, Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canarias, Jaén, Toledo, Oviedo, and Pamplona.
The Documentary's International Recognition
"Patria y Vida: The Power of Music" premiered last year during the Miami Film Festival 2023. The event was graced by prominent Cuban music figures and internationally acclaimed artists such as Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Camila Cabello, and Gloria Gaynor, famous for her anthem "I Will Survive."
In the same year, the documentary was honored with the Special Jury Award at the BendFilm Festival in Oregon, USA. The 80-minute film features interviews with Yotuel and fellow performers of the song, including Alexander Delgado, Randy Malcom, and El Funky. It chronicles the song's journey from its conception to winning two Latin Grammys, spotlighting rapper Maykel Osorbo and independent artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, both of whom remain imprisoned for their involvement.
A Call for Change
The documentary also includes footage from Cuba on July 11, 2021, capturing the massive protests against the regime. During these demonstrations, thousands of people chanted "¡Patria y Vida!" demanding the end of the oppressive government.