Strawberry & Chocolate (1994) – DVD

"I knew he was a homosexual" David says of Diego, "there was chocolate and he chose strawberry." David is a shy teenager, a member of the Communist Youth League. His handsome features catch the eye of Diego, an older intellectual. He brings him to his house in an attempt to impress the culturally inclined David with his library and record collection. Assigned to investigate Diego by his fellow party members, David instead becomes immersed in a tender friendship; opening his mind to an alternative way of life in Communist Cuba.

One of the most popular films in Cuba it achieved international acclaim, becoming the first Cuban film to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film. Strawberry & Chocolate arrived near the end of Tomás Gutiérrez Alea’s career; a gentle comic work about friendship and coming-of-age which is also a staunch critique of homophobia.

"A superb Cuban film from 1993, a little classic about gay freedom and its aspirations versus Fidel Castro and his Marxist straitjacketing" - Financial Times

Cast & Credits: Jorge Perugorria / Vladimir Cruz / Mirta ibarra / Directed: Tomas Gutierrez Alea & Juan Carlos Tabio / Screenplay: Senal Paz

Awards: Academy Awards (1995), Nominated, Best Foreign Language Film / Sundance Film Festival (1995), Won, Honourable Mention, Latin American Cinema / National Board of Review (1994), Won, NBR Award, Top Foreign Film / Chicago International Film Fesitval (1994), Won, Best Actor

Technical: 1994 / 104 minutes / Spanish with English Subtitles / Stereo audio / 1.85 : 1 Colour / DVD PAL Multi Region / Rating 18 / MRBDVD013

Licensed from Contemporary Films courtesy of AUDIOVISUALES ICAIC.