Andrew Lang’s first film ranks among the fairest portraits of Cuba by an outsider. Assembling an all-Cuban crew and granted full access to chronicle Havana’s Boxing Academy, he shows the forces that drive the institution and by extension Cuban society. It is also a defining historical document, capturing the anxiety created in the wake of Fidel Castro’s retirement from office and withdrawal from public life.

In its focus on three boys trained for Olympic Glory, Lang is able to evoke the complexity of contemporary Cuban society. Using the form of the observational documentary, interspersed with detailed interviews, Sons of Cuba portrays the various political and cultural influences that underlie a sport’s role in society.

"Beautifully structured story of sacrifice, companionship, grief and glory" - Time Out

Mr. Bongo’s definitive release of Sons of Cuba examines the film’s production in detail, featuring an exclusive director’s commentary. It also covers the release of the film, its impact following its successful reception in Cuba and around the world.

Extras: Miami's Cuban Boxers with Aaron Brown / The Return to Havana: A film about the Cuban premiere / Fabulous Picture Show and Rome Film Festival Interviews with Andrew Lang / Director's Commentary / Official Trailer

Cast & Credits: Cristian Martinez Noriega / Yosvani Bonachea Morgan / Santos Urgelles Diaz / Junior Menendez Lemar / Directed by Andrew Lang

Awards: British Independent Film Awards (2009): Nominated, Best Documentary / Havana Film Festival (2009): Won, Best Foreign Language Film / Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (2009): Won, Best Documentary / Malaga Spanish Film Festival (2010): Won, Audience Award / Rome Film Festival (2009): Won, Best Documentary / San Diego Latino Film Festival (2009): Won, Audience Award

Technical: 2009 / 89 minutes / Spanish with English subtitles / Dolby SR / 1.78 : 1 Colour / DVD PAL Multi Region / MRBDVD033

Licensed from Roco Films.

Andrew Lang

Sons Of Cuba (2009) – DVD

Sons Of Cuba (2009) – 2-DVD