# Manuel Herrera Awarded 2022 National Cinema Prize

**Date:** 03/17/2022

Filmmaker Manuel Herrera entered today the select list of National Cinema Prize winners in Cuba, following a prolific career dedicated to the development of cinema as a filmmaker and promoter of the island's filmography.

Herrera, winner of the award among 21 candidates, has an outstanding track record, notable for his work as founder of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (Icaic) and his portfolio of more than 30 audiovisual works.

Among his works are titles such as Cría porcina; Papel, vidrio y tijera; Girón; No hay sábado sin sol; Capablanca; Zafiros, locura azul; Bailando Cha Cha chá; among other productions, closely linked to Cuba's social events.

The decision was made by specialists, previously awarded with this distinction, Miriam Talavera, Raúl Rodríguez and Jerónimo Labrada, as well as the vice director of the Cinemateca, Lola Labrada, producer Frank Cabrera, filmmaker Pol Chaviano and the president of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba, Helmo Hernández.

According to editor Talavera, president of the jury, this decision elevates Herrera's trajectory, who has done much for the development of cinema, with memorable works for Cuban cinematography, while it was a challenge due to the quality that distinguishes this manifestation in the greatest of the Antilles.

For his part, also recipient of the Distinction for National Culture, expressed his satisfaction with this award that fills him with pride, while recalling his beginnings in cinema when he was only 17 years old.

This and the recognition as an Illustrious Son of Santa Clara constitute the highest honors of my life and, although it carries great sadness for those who deserved it but life did not give them the opportunity to receive it, I feel honored and happy, Herrera said exclusively to Prensa Latina.

The official presentation of the award will take place on March 24, a date marked by the anniversary of Icaic, the entity that has awarded the National Cinema Prize since 2003 together with the Ministry of Culture of the greatest of the Antilles, as a tribute to the trajectory and overall body of work of a living cinematographic creator.

Directors, actors, actresses, screenwriters, musicians, photographers, producers, among other professionals were distinguished for their contributions to the development of cinema in the Caribbean nation, among them are names such as Alfredo Guevara, Julio García Espinoza, Humberto Solás, Enrique Pineda Barnet, Daisy Granados and Eslinda Núñez.