North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival and Summit

Activismo: Art & Dissidence in Cuba

Expired November 19, 2021 6:00 AM
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Recognizing that the economic disparities resulting from privilege and exacerbated by the pandemic are a barrier to engagement, in 2021, NDHRFF has completely removed financial barriers to engage with the festival. As a result, access to the festival's programming is entirely free and accessible to all. All passes and individual film screenings are pay-as-you-can. As your individual situation allows, you are welcome to make a donation to the festival to help support our work.


Films are available to screen midnight, Tuesday, November 2 through midnight, Thursday, November 18.


Films in the North Dakota Human Rights Film Festival have not been rated for adult content and may include violence, nudity, language, and adult situations. Viewer discretion is advised.

The Art created by Cuban artists embodies the freedom of expression, which is the heart of the creative impulse. With innovative public performances, they engage audiences to produce awareness of the tyrannies of censorship, prohibition of dissent, imprisonment of activists, and restrictions on the process of art itself.


This documentary will educate viewers about the power of art to transform societies and improve human conditions. Featuring prominent Cuban artists, the film introduces those artists in particular, who became activists or dissidents by using conceptual and sometimes controversial artwork, not only to inspire and challenge but also to advance the function and purpose of art.


Today, artists considered dissidents are becoming powerful, respected voices for social change (e.g., Ai Wei Wei of China; J.R. in Paris; Tania Bruguera of Cuba). By informing a larger public to alternative views and promoting the socio-political transformation of dysfunctional, authoritative regimes--their Art creates the necessary impetus for change. Although some of Cuba’s dissident artists have been jailed or imprisoned as a consequence of their actions, their artwork continues to inform European and American audiences about the political, social, ethical problems in Cuba. Dissident or political art is principally motivated by a higher aspiration to move societies toward enhanced human rights, sustainable environmental policies, personal and political freedoms.

  • Year
    2021
  • Runtime
    43 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    United States
  • Director
    Philip Sugden, Carole Elchert
  • Screenwriter
    Carole Elchert
  • Producer
    Philip Sugden
  • Cast
    Tania Bruguera, Jose Toirac, Jose Angel Vincench, Geandy Pavon, Juan-Si Gonzalez, Octavia Cesar Marim, Elvis Fuentes, Rachel Weiss
  • Editor
    Jason Baker
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