Mirta Ibarra: "One feels that one's own people love and recognize you"

July 7, 2018

Mirta Ibarra is, along with Enrique Pineda Barnet and Salvador Wood, recipient of the Lucía de Honor Award 2018, for lifetime achievement. One of the emblematic faces of Cuban cinema. Her smile and charisma have been part of the Cuban popular imagination since her leading roles in "Hasta cierto punto", "Fresa y Chocolate" or "Adorables mentiras", to mention just a few.

What does receiving this Lucía de Honor Prize from the Gibara International Film Festival mean to you?
This is a very atypical festival, very multifaceted, and it brings me great joy, in this context where the entire town of Gibara participates in the cinema celebration, to receive recognition from my Cuban colleagues for my career, for my work. All of this is very moving and touches my heart, more than if I had received it elsewhere. It's like when I received the Coral in Havana. One feels that your own people love and recognize you.

Regarding Humberto Solás and Tomás Gutiérrez Alea (Titón), she said:
"I dedicated this prize to Humberto Solás and to Titón. Although I never had the opportunity to work as an actress with Humberto, we were great friends and I remember with joy his visits, his conversations. I also dedicated it to Titón because I believe that part of my career I owe to him, therefore, I know that he is there, very happy with this prize".

Work projects?
I am trying to establish the Tomás Gutiérrez Alea Research and Promotion Center in Havana. I already have the space. Now we are working on the roofs which were in very bad condition. There I am going to store all of Titón's library, his documents and photos.

What do you think of Gibara?
I love the atmosphere of Gibara and, above all, the fact that the entire town participates in the Festival. This is the second time I've come. Last year I came to work as a jury member. Now, to receive the tribute and enjoy the event.