You are here:

Black and Cuba

Name: Black and Cuba
Director: Robin J. Hayes
Released: 2015
Duration: 83 min

Representation Score

6.3/10

Good

2015

Director

Robin J. Hayes

Runtime

83 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Black and Cuba is a sophisticated documentary that examines racialized power dynamics through a journey to Cuba. It goes beyond a simple travelogue to offer a deep systemic critique of social hierarchies and the limitations of Western social structures. The film's strength lies in its focus on racial the way different parts of someone's identity overlap and Afro-Cuban identity. By examining identity outside Western frameworks, it challenges conventional American perceptions of social mobility and color-blindness. However, the film lacks specific details regarding LGBTQ+ representation and gender-specific narratives. While it addresses broad social structures, it does not explicitly document the presence of queer identities or specific gendered issues.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Black and Cuba have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include any explicit mention of LGBTQ+ characters or queer narratives. There is no evidence of non-cisgender identities.

How does Black and Cuba portray gender?

Fair

The narrative focuses on students navigating elite academic hierarchies. While it challenges social mobility myths, it does not specifically address gender-based issues.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Black and Cuba?

Excellent

This documentary centers on Afro-Cuban youth to deconstruct myths of color-blindness. It provides a significant role in driving the story to characters of color by examining racial identity outside Western frameworks.

How does Black and Cuba represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film highlights non-Western cultural expressions, such as Afro-Cuban hip-hop. It critiques Western notions of social mobility through a lens of systemic and revolutionary change.

Does Black and Cuba include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information regarding the inclusion or portrayal of characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Strong focus on racial the way different parts of someone's identity overlap and Afro-Cuban identity.
Effective critique of Western myths regarding color-blindness and social mobility.
Highlights non-Western cultural expressions like local hip-hop performances.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit representation or mention of LGBTQ+ identities.
Limited detail regarding specific gender-based narratives or compositions.
No information provided regarding the inclusion of characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

'Black and Cuba' follows street-smart students, who are outcasts at an elite Ivy League university, as they band together and adventure to Cuba to see if revolution is truly possible. While filming their poignant encounters with AfroCuban youth, breathtaking sites and moving hip-hop performances, the travelers confront realities behind myths of color-blindness and social mobility. This edgy and artful documentary of their journey uncovers renewed hope for equality and human rights. 'Black and Cuba' is the feature film directorial debut of international human rights advocate and scholar Robin J. Hayes, PhD.

How are these scores produced? →