Filmfest DC's documentaries of Cuban stars Celia Cruz and Bebo timely with Obama overtures to Cuba

April 19, 11:07 AMDC Art Travel ExaminerMarsha Dubrow

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Celia Cruz exhibit from Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will be in NYC

Filmfest DC's documentaries about two of Cuban-born musicians, Celia Cruz and Bebo, are as fascinating as they are timely, given President Obama's overtures last week to seek "a new beginning with Cuba." 

"Celia the Queen", celebrating the "Queen of Salsa", is exhilarating. Cruz, who fled her native Cuba after Castro's revolution, was one of the world's most popular salsa stars for more than half a century.  She won three Grammy® Awards, four Latin Grammys, and a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.

This jubilant performance documentary about the ebullient entertainer demonstrates why -- from her early appearances with the seminal Fania All-Stars to later ones with Johnny Pacheco, and Gloria Estefan. One of the best scenes is Cruz and her band jamming on a plane flying to Africa for a performance in 1974.

Tributes abound from the renowned Quincy Jones and David Byrne, Andy Garcia, Narciso Rodriguez who designed the dress she wore at her last public appearance, as well as Japanese salsa cultists, and female impersonators.

Co-director Joe Cardona appeared after the film on Friday and Saturday, and answered all questions from the wildly enthusiastic audiences. Some viewers danced in their seats, sang along, and joined Cruz in her rallying cry, "Azucar" (sugar).

"Celia is the soundtrack of my life...I'm a Celia fan, a junkie," said Cardona, who named his 19-month-old daughter Celia.  

The project began in 1998 when he sent Cruz "a little film can with my bio." Two weeks later, she called, soon afterward they shook hands, and hugged -- "She was contract-averse."

The film took a decade to make for various reasons, certainly including Cruz's death in 2003, and Cardona's getting "kicked out of Cuba like many peace-loving people. I continue to go back, and they'll continue throwing me out." However, getting interviews "took only one call, and her good will opened doors to people despite their very busy lives. I sat with Quincy Jones for four hours in his home." 

Cardona, whose parents are Cuban, terms Castro an intractable dictator. But he has equally harsh words for the "greedmongers who control rights to the music -- they're greedy, mean slobs." So there will not be a soundtrack.

The documentary will be shown on PBS in September and again later in 2009. A DVD will be available in the fall or winter. The DVD will have additional material like an interview with Cruz's eldest sister "still living in Cuba in precarious circumstances."

Cardona added, "Salsa is an art form -- a true American art form -- from Cuba, Puero Rico, Dominican Republic but created in New York City. It doesn't get the respect it deserves."

Filmfest DC is helping correct that. Another Filmfest highlight in its "Global Rhythms" category is "Old Man Bebo". The documentary is a musical biography of Cuban pianist-composer-arranger-band leader Bebo, who was as prolific in creating families -- he had four -- as he was in creating music.

Director Carlo Carcas's film shows Bebo at Havana's most glamorous spots, including the Tropicana Club and Havana Hilton. Bebo collaborated with top U.S. musicians, and even taught Nat King Cole to sing in Spanish.  Bebo fled revolutionary Cuba. "I knew my days were numbered...I may be back horizontally, but vertically -- never." 

He eventually settled in Sweden where "I have found peace." But it took many years. With the advent of rock 'n roll, the only work he could find was playing piano at a ballet school, and later at hotels. After 34 years of this, a record producer found him and proposed an album. In two nights, Bebo wrote eight arrangements and his career took off again. He won two Grammys and five Latin Grammys.

Filmfest DC, has been gaining viewership and popularity for foreign films for 23 years. Through April 26, it will screen more than 70 foreign films from 30 countries. About 30 directors attend and answer questions about their work.

The festival is one of DC's best, and one of the biggest bargains. General admission tickets are $10, and a package of ten is $80.

Other categories include "Latin Films", "Francophone Films", and "Eastern Europe Now". Here is the complete listing and schedule for the 23rd annual Filmfest DC.

[President Obama told Western Hemisphere leaders at the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad on April 17 that "the United States seeks a new beginning with Cuba", and his administration would work to engage the Castro government on many issues.]