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Waiting for Fidel

Name: Waiting for Fidel
Director: Michael Rubbo
Released: 1975
Duration: 57 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

1975

Director

Michael Rubbo

Runtime

57 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Waiting for Fidel succeeds as an observational piece that disrupts Western-centric documentary traditions. By centering a post-revolutionary, anti-capitalist landscape, it offers a nuanced look at a society shaped by systemic change. However, the film struggles with characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The perspective remains heavily male-dominated, focusing on a crew of men and the central figure of Castro, which limits gender diversity. While it provides a platform for non-Western social realities, it lacks any meaningful representation of LGBTQ+ identities or individuals with disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Waiting for Fidel have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on the political landscape of post-revolutionary Cuba and the Canadian crew. There are no documented LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.

How does Waiting for Fidel portray gender?

Limited

The narrative centers around a male-dominated crew and the male-centric figure of Fidel Castro. It lacks evidence of centering women’s ability to drive the story or subverting patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Waiting for Fidel?

Good

The documentary provides visibility to the Cuban populace, moving away from an Anglo-centric perspective. It documents the lived experiences of a majority-non-white population.

How does Waiting for Fidel represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film engages with anti-capitalist and post-colonial themes by documenting life within a socialist state. It presents a reality that challenges Western capitalist norms.

Does Waiting for Fidel include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no discernible focus on neurodivergence or physical disabilities. The documentary scope does not include the ability to act of individuals with disabilities.

Present on Screen

Provides significant visibility to the Cuban populace and non-Western lived experiences.
Challenges Western capitalist norms through its focus on a socialist state.
Offers a nuanced, non-Anglo-centric view of a society undergoing revolutionary change.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Fails to center women’s ability to drive the story, resulting in a male-dominated narrative.
Provides no focus on neurodivergence or physical disabilities.

Official Synopsis

This feature-length documentary from 1974 takes viewers inside Fidel Castro's Cuba. A movie-making threesome hope that Fidel himself will star in their film. The unusual crew consists of former Newfoundland premier Joseph Smallwood, radio and TV owner Geoff Stirling and NFB film director Michael Rubbo. What happens while the crew awaits its star shows a good deal of the new Cuba, and also of the three Canadians who chose to film the island. (NFB)

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