Now, by Santiago Álvarez

Now, 1965, would be certainly enough for Santiago Álvarez to earn his rightful place among the best Cuban documentary filmmakers of the 20^th century. Many film critics and historians consider him a pioneer in formal terms. Some even say that his work is the antecedent of current video clips. But beyond that, it was a forceful document denouncing the racism rooted in the American society.

In just six minutes, the filmmaker portrayed a forceful plea in favor of the civil rights of black people in the United States. And it is, in addition to plea, art.

About the powerful performance of singer and actress Lena Horne, a set of photographs is articulated, in a composition prodigal in expressive resources. The lyric of the song addresses to the need to fight more effectively for the equality of all citizens. And the photos, which refer to racist incidents in California, constitute documents of infamy.

Now was the most acclaimed, the most awarded of all Santiago Álvarez's documentaries. And it constitutes, without a doubt, a classic of Cuban cinema, of the culture of this country.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff