Cuban Revolution

• Film Title: Cuban Revolution
• Original Year of Production: Unknown
• Studio: Unknown
• Director: Glenn Gebhard 
• Producers: John LaCorte, Mario Congreve, Brian Sisselman, Glenn Gebhard

   The Cuban Revolution was a glimpse into the Cuban Revolution against the United States and Cuba's previous Batista government in favor of radical socialism, that has been the norm in Cuba for over fifty years. In addition, the film covers the split of Cuban support in America and in Cuba for, and against socialism led under Fidel Castro. The film examines different issues such as the commercial and economic trade embargo enacted by the United States against Cuba after Cuba nationalized all private lands of United States citizens and it's corporations. Throughout the film both popular sides to this and other issues are examined by supporters of the United States and their respective policies and supporters of Cuba and it's radical socialist government. The thesis of this film becomes apparent towards the end of the film. When various men and women are interviewed in Cuba and the U.S. they seem to agree on one thing. They want to establish a peaceful and healthy relationship with each other. Regardless of political views, the fact that both nations can prosper from the lifting of the trade embargo is reason enough to revive a healthy and respectful diplomatic relationship.

   The filmaker of this film is Dominguez Hills graduate Mario Congreve. Although my experience with Cuban and American relations are limited I do believe that this quality film has much to offer people with limited knowledge of the subject. The film ties different viewpoints of Communist party members, Cuban defectors in Miami, young children and adolescents in Cuba, college professors and Phd's in Cuba and America. The film views their points such as the lack of clothing, shoes and even the rationing of food to as little as four eggs, per person, every month. Presenting the film with different viewpoints is reflective of Rosenstone referers to as "Contest history."(118) In contest history, the general viewpoints of the film go against the general views of a particular subject. In including the views of the pro-revolutionary Cubans, the film runs against the traditional views which Americans would usually be subjected. In presenting such various contrasting arguments such as Capitalism and Socialism the film directors follow more closely in line with the duties of a historian; the duties of focusing more of actual events and movements and letting the audience determin its own meaning.