Letter to the Editor
Film Documents Case of Musical Diplomacy

Buena Vista Social Club is a 1999 documentary film by Wim Wenders about the music of Cuba. It tells how his long-time friend Ry Cooder brought together legendary Cuban musicians for an album, also called Buena Vista Social Club, and for a concert in the United States.

Although Cuba and the U.S. are geographically close, travel between them is restricted due to political tensions, so many of the musicians traveled there for the first time. The film reveals their reactions to the experience, shows footage of the sell-out concert and has interviews with the main performers.

The film helped these musicians, some already in their 90s, to become known to a global audience. Some then released popular solo albums. It won as best documentary at the European Film Awards.

Hong Kong's Culture Club Gallery will screen this movie on July 27 starting at 8 p.m.

Culture Club Gallery
Central, Hong Kong

(July 18, 2011)


Valdy Phogo

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