ADN Cuba and Stevenson are the future projects of Cuban filmmaker Alejandro Gil

June 28, 2024

Cuban filmmaker Alejandro Gil is currently immersed in the final stages of post-production of the documentary series ADN Cuba, whose premiere is scheduled for next September.

Based on the results of a study conducted by Dr. Beatriz Marcheco, director of the National Center for Medical Genetics, headquartered in this capital, the filming of the six stories has already been completed.

In exclusive statements to Prensa Latina, the filmmaker explained that ADN Cuba pursued a new path in investigations about Cuban identity, ancestors, and the development of the cultural and racial identity of our population.

The six-chapter series features prominent personalities from Cuban civil society: singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez, visual artist Roberto Diago, volleyball player Mirella Luis, actor Osvaldo Doimeadiós, researcher Zuleika Romay, and anthropologist Nelson Aboy.

At the same time, Gil is advancing in the preparation of filming for Stevenson, a film about the legendary Cuban boxer Teófilo Stevenson, one of the most admired and respected sports figures on the Caribbean island.

Regarding his interest in filming this feature film, the artist commented that since childhood he has been a sports enthusiast, having studied at the School of School Sports Initiation, where Stevenson was an idol.

"Besides, few films about sports have been made in Cuba, and I think it will be interesting," he stated.

He reported that the future feature film is in the casting process and they are seeking the actors who will bring to the big screen the friends, family members, and rivals of the boxer.

He indicated that they are still reviewing the possibilities of participation in the film by film studios and companies from Mexico and Russia, both in logistical and sports terms.

According to Gil, among the main sources for the screenplay conception is the biographical book "Grande entre los grandes" by Manolo Cabalé, which was very useful for gaining an understanding of Stevenson's sporting relationships.

"To represent the character of trainer Alcides Segarra, who is practically a leading role, I will use the interviews he gave to the press," he emphasized.

He added that much of the film is set during the most intense moments of the Cold War and will play a very important role in it, the graphics and music of the 70s and 80s of the past century; while songs from Cuban groups Los Van Van and Irakere will be part of its soundtrack.

"We should begin filming in the month of October and it is planned to portray the boxer's international trajectory, and his championships in the Olympic Games, where he was victorious three times," he added.

Recently, Alejandro Gil participated as a guest at the 28th edition of the Frankfurt Film Festival in Germany, where he presented his films Línea Roja (2016), Inocencia (2018), and AM PM (2023), which received positive reviews from critics.