In a nocturnal Cuba, lit only by the tiny lights of the cocuyos, the island’s DJs and electronic music producers become a living metaphor: like those glowing insects, they come alive at night, illuminating the city with their energy and restlessness.
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Directed by Desiderio Sanzi
Review by Julie C. Sheppard:
This film, Cuba Coocuyo Remix, is a solid tribute to the electronic music coming from nighttime venues of this colourful, historic island. The film captures the rhythm of the language, and the sites and sounds of the place – – the cinematographer does a fabulous job including scenes of people of all ages and walks of life going about their days.
Despite the obvious challenges of living in Cuba with its old cars and rather crumbling infrastructure, the DJs are not at all deterred when making plans to create lively, upbeat musical entertainment. The refrains of music we do hear give us a strong clue to what the high energy events of the night will bring. It is also inspirational to hear the thoughts, plans and dreams of a local DJ, and a confident voice discussing the available equipment and software.
The comfortable interactions between city folk give the pace of the film a gentleness, as time almost seems to stand still as we wait for the evening to come and the music and dancing to begin. Film viewers no doubt wish they could join in this electrifying dance.
Festival Reviews 