Renowned Cuban Actress Mirtha Ibarra Earns Acclaim in Spain

Renowned Cuban actress Mirtha Ibarra is receiving widespread praise and applause following her recent visit to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, a trip as intense and successful as her legacy in cinema.

The 2025 National Film Award recipient arrived in Spain as part of a work agenda that included several lectures on the cinematic contributions of Tomás Gutiérrez Alea (Titón), as noted on Facebook by Alexis Triana, president of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (Icaic).

Speaking at venues such as the Liceo de Taoro in La Orotava and the Institute of Hispanic Studies of the Canary Islands, Ibarra reflected on the enduring legacy of her late partner and creator of iconic films including Memories of Underdevelopment (1968), Letters from the Park (1988), and Strawberry and Chocolate (1993).

During her visit, Ibarra was honored by local municipalities and cultural institutions. Her presence was also highlighted by media outlets such as Diario de Avisos, which featured a two-page interview, and local radio stations that celebrated the significance of her stay.

From Cubacine Icaic, we applaud her with admiration and wish her continued success as she prepares for her next engagement at the Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, the publication concluded.

Mirtha Ibarra, known for her extraordinary acting talent, has been part of Cuba’s most distinguished theater groups, including Teatro Estudio, Teatro Bertolt Brecht, Teatro de Arte Caribeño, and El Público. Her work also extended to television.

With her talent and versatility, she brought to life films that have left a lasting mark on audiences both in Cuba and abroad. Notable titles include The Last Supper (1976), Up to a Certain Point (1983), Adorable Lies (1991), and Strawberry and Chocolate (1993).

In addition to receiving the Actuar Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), she has been honored with the Lucía de Honor Award (2018), the Distinction for National Culture (1996), and the Coral Prize for Best Actress for Up to a Certain Point (1983), presented at the Havana-based International Festival of New Latin American Cinema.

Ibarra has also served as a juror at prestigious film festivals around the world, including the Huelva Festival (Spain, 1999), the Gramado Film Festival (Brazil, 2000), the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema (Cuba, 2001), and the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (United States, 2003 and 2006), among many others.