This article is shared in collaboration with One Road at a Time ~
Habana Film Festival, Cuba
This year’s Film Festival in La Habana, Cuba is the thirty fifth – it began in December 1979 – and it runs from the 5th to 15th of December with some amazing showings.
Although it is advertised mainly as a celebration of Latin American cinema, over the years it has grown to include films from almost every other country in the world with a significant film industry and this year it is proud to include Czech films for the first time. This is an ideal festival for anyone who really loves film – mainstream films can be seen anywhere; the Habana Film Festival is all about uncovering hidden gems and introducing new actors, directors and screenwriters to the public. A prize at this festival is considered very important by the recipients and this year the competition is particularly fierce, so anyone attending the festival is in for a treat. It isn’t just about showings, either – art, music and workshops inspired by film are run throughout the ten days of the festival, so there really is something for everyone.
How to get there ~
The festival organizers have arranged discounted flights and hotel rooms for those booking cinema tickets through the website, but anyone who has missed the opportunity needn’t worry because flights to Cuba are easy to arrange yourself. Flights are frequent from Manchester, Gatwick and Heathrow with First Choice but it is important to prepare before traveling because all tourists visiting Cuba need a tourist card before arrival in the country. These are valid for 28 days and can be arranged by calling the embassy. International flights arrive at the Jose Marti International Airport which is really near Habana – cabs and buses are available for the short shuttle into the city, so you can be watching a film very quickly after you get there. Private taxis are not allowed to transport tourists, but there are loads of government-licensed cabs available so this isn’t really a problem.
Things to do ~
Habana is one of the must-visit places on most people’s list and it never disappoints. The shopping and food are both fabulous and whenever time permits between film showings, there is certainly plenty to do and see. The weather makes a welcome change for anyone tired of grey British skies, so just being out and about in the sun is lovely, but the buzz of the city and the exotic air of Cuba makes for a great break, short or long. Anyone visiting the Habana Film Festival is likely to be interested in performance of other kinds and here Cuba comes up trumps again, with theatres and circus performances for every taste. Because there is so much to do, the Habana Film Festival is a perfect choice for a family with different tastes – while the film buffs soak up the many different genres on offer throughout the eleven days of the festival, others can enjoy everything that this beautiful place has to offer so everyone gets a great holiday and happy memories to take home.
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