These Are the Must-See Latin American Movies at Havana Film Festival New York

With over 35 films from Cuba, Latin America, and Latino filmmakers in the U.S, the 20th edition of the Havana Film Festival New York (HFFNY) is a reminder of why it’s the longest running Latino fest in the city. In addition to showcasing some of the most exciting contemporary filmmakers from the region, the 2019 program is giving audiences a chance to catch the work of some of Cuba’s most well-known directors. Fans of Fernando Pérez will be able to check out his latest film (co-directed with Laura Cazador), Insumisas, as well as two of his earlier films, including 1987’s Clandestinos. As part of its In Memoriam tribute, HFFNY is screening the 1996 documentary Yo soy, del son a la salsa by Rigoberto López, who passed away earlier this year. And for those itching to look further back to Cuba’s classic cinema, there’s also a screening of Tomás Gutiérrez Alea’s groundbreaking 1978 film Memories of Underdevelopment.

As always, the week-long fest will not only be showing films but offering master classes and panel discussions with notable local and international directors, actors, and producers. And given its commitment to making its program as accessible as possible, its partnerships with local cultural institutions such as the Museum of the Moving Image, School of Visual Arts, and New York Institute of Technology among others, means that there are plenty of free events to check out. If you’re looking to see what’s worth checking out, we’ve combed through this year’s offerings and narrowed down our top picks. Check them out below.

Havana Film Festival New York runs April 9 – 16, 2019, with special events beginning on April 5.