Renowned Cuban Filmmaker Manuel Pérez Paredes Passes Away in Havana

The Cuban Minister of Culture, Alpidio Alonso, expressed his regret this Thursday over the passing of the prestigious Havana-born filmmaker Manuel Pérez Paredes, at the age of 85.

"The news of the death of Manolito Pérez, one of the great Cuban filmmakers, fills us with sadness; a founder of the ICAIC and director, among other films, of the classic 'El hombre de Maisinicú,' he was a true master, a sage; my condolences to his family and friends," the official stated on his X social media account.

Joining the condolences was a message from the president of the Association of Film, Radio, and Television of the Union of Cuban Writers and Artists (Uneac), Lourdes de los Santos, who recalled the filmmaker's career.

"The details of his funeral services are not yet known but will be announced as soon as they are; the creator of the iconic film 'El Hombre de Maisinicú,' he leaves behind a legacy of wonderful works and advisory roles in many films," de los Santos concluded.

Furthermore, the International Festival of New Latin American Cinema issued a statement on the digital platform Facebook, highlighting the role played by Pérez Paredes in the creation and dissemination of national cinema, noting he was a recipient of the Honorary Coral award during the 41st edition of the event.

The publication also added an excerpt from a text written by the director of the Cinemateca of Cuba, Luciano Castillo.

"The International Festival of New Latin American Cinema, which has never been able to do without Manuel Pérez Paredes, awards an Honorary Coral to the most lucid and sharp chronicler of the history of ICAIC from its foundational times," Castillo described.

Manuel Pérez was a prestigious Cuban filmmaker, director of one of the ICAIC Creation Groups (1988-1992), whose work stood out for productions such as "Madagascar," "Hello Hemingway," "Adorables mentiras," and "La Bella del Alhambra."

Also stemming from that creative group are "¿Por qué nació el Ejército Rebelde?," "Aventuras de Juanquinquín" (1967), "Río Negro" (1977), "Páginas del diario de Mauricio" (2006), and "La vida que ha quedado atrás" (2021).

For his contribution to national cinema, he belonged to the Board of Directors of the Foundation for New Latin American Cinema and held the title of Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of the Arts of Cuba.