Vladimir Cruz and 'the symbol of the embrace'

September 3, 2019

Cine+Food and Vladimir Cruz reunite on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the film Strawberry and Chocolate. Being the only Cuban film nominated for an Oscar, the friendship that was woven between its protagonists, Diego and David, was a turning point in the career of the renowned interpreter.

The 25 years of the premiere of Strawberry and Chocolate are being celebrated. Did you hesitate when they proposed that you play David?

No, on the contrary, I was a young actor wanting to start a career in cinema and Gutierrez Alea was offering me work, the best director of Cuban cinema, with an excellent script, based on a story that won awards abroad and about a fascinating topic. How could I hesitate?

A communist, a homosexual and a prostitute. How do you remember those days?

Put that way, a communist, a homosexual and a whore, it sounds like a joke, but it wasn't. We knew that we were dealing with a very serious topic for the future of our country and we assumed the responsibility. I remember those days with emotion and joy for the success, but above all with pride for what it meant socially in Cuba.

What impressions were there in your surroundings when participating in a film with LGBT themes? Did your family approve?

My family was concerned, but more than because I participated in a film with homosexual themes—we didn't use the term LGBT back then—because it was a film against intolerance in a very intolerant country, which could have consequences. However, they supported me in everything, because we were all convinced of the urgency of telling such a story.

Is the vision given of the friendship between Diego and David too optimistic?

In the Cuba of that time perhaps so, but we wanted to be optimistic because we believed, and believe, in everything that can be advanced in that sense and in the necessity of the unity of all Cubans above any difference. In today's world it is obvious that two people with different sexual preferences can love each other and be friends. Or perhaps I am still being too optimistic?

There will be those who don't know the film. What would you tell them about it?

First, of course, that they watch it, because I believe it speaks for itself. Second, that they not miss the opportunity to see the only Cuban film nominated for an Oscar. And third, joking aside, that it is a living film, told with honesty, with authentic characters, and that those of us who made it gave our all to reflect, from a very hostile environment, a conflict that unfortunately remains very universal.

After all, prejudices still exist and in several countries homosexuality is a crime. Does 'Strawberry and Chocolate' at 25 years old still not age?

Unfortunately, wherever one looks in today's world it is possible to see the relevance of retrograde, exclusionary and intolerant ideas and as long as this is the case an attempt to denounce it and fight against it will be necessary. The film defends, first and foremost and with great pride, the cause of those discriminated against for a different sexual preference, within the archaic, sexist and patriarchal social scheme that we have inherited, but it goes beyond that.

You are one of the most recognized actors in Cuba. What did you expect from your career?

I expected to be able to work continuously in a profession that I adore, to be able to make a living from it, to grow every day as a professional and for my work to have meaning for people, as I said before. I believe I have achieved almost everything, but within certain limits, marked first by the starting point within the precarious Cuban film industry. I want to expand those limits every day.

There is a scene in which Diego talks about the difference between them, who are listening to Callas and drinking tea in porcelain cups, with the buildings that are falling down or those who are crammed into the taxis. How do you think Cuba has changed in this time?

In that sense, not much, there is still much more people crammed into the buses than listening to Callas while drinking tea in porcelain cups.

Your character David said that even mistakes are part of the revolution. Would you justify it that way?

I am not my character. I believe that mistakes are made everywhere and that every society can be improved. The only sense that, socially speaking, these mistakes can have is that we learn from them and in my opinion that is still a pending matter within Cuban society.

Do you think they would still be friends?

I have no idea. I would like them to be, but I can only say that exile changes people, life changes people, and distances affect friendships as they do any human relationship. But the symbol of their embrace continues to be important for all Cubans.