“There
are lessons in [East of Havana] – political as well as musical - that
the download generation would do well to heed if they can tear themselves from
MTV."
— Barry Didcock, Sunday Herald, Scotland
“A
rap movement in East Cuba?
Apparently so. And not only is it big but its actually really really good. I
would be shocked if this film doesn't become an indie popular.”
—SXSW Blog, Blankscreen
“You
can appreciate rap’s deep significance to a Cuban musician named Soandry,
who, in East of Havana, declares, 'Hip-hop means struggle. It means having
a determined attitude towards life. Rebellion. The fight to make things better.
The detoxification of the mind and body. To me, it means freedom.' Coming from
someone living under Fidel Castro's regime, these words are anything but casual.”
—Desson Thomson, Washington Post
“The
future of Cuba? Ask its rappers… They are the Buena Vista Social
Club with their eyes open, and these eloquent, dignified young Cubans refuse
to shut up.”
—Johann Hari, The Independent, UK
“Soandry
flows
with intelligence rarely seen now in the states; don't be surprised if you
hear his name again."
—Darcie Stevens, Austin Chronicle
“The
film says something quite interesting, which is that as much as Cuban citizens
may fear the power of the government, the government fears its people and their
freedom of expression exponentially more. Wim Wenders The Buena Vista Social
Club showed us one side of Cuban music and culture, but East of Havana finally
reveals the
voice
of contemporary Cuban youth and the rise of a very different new
generation."
—Jeffrey Wells, SXSW Blog
