BLOQUEO: looking at the U.S. embargo against Cuba

Directed by Heather Haddon and Rachel Dannefer
2005, 45 Minutes
Purchase: $310 Classroom Rental: $125

Since 1962 the United States has imposed an economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba. Following the efforts of the Pastors for Peace Caravan—an annual journey that calls attention to this controversial policy by defying U.S. law and traveling to the island, Bloqueo, discovers the story behind the U.S. blockade.

Giving a historical and current picture of the embargo, and featuring voices from the streets of Havana, the Cuban countryside, and those involved in the Cuba solidarity network, Bloqueo (or blockade) lets Cubans speak for themselves about how they have been affected by this policy, and what it means to live in Cuba today.

Bloqueo examines the effects of the more than 40-year-old embargo, the reasons for its implementation, and why it has endured for so many decades. In addition to exploring the embargo's tremendous impact on the lives of the Cuban people, the film looks at the successes that have made Cuba a model in healthcare, environmental stewardship, and other arenas, demonstrating how Cuba's policies in these areas have forged an alternative and more sustainable system.

Subjects & Collections

Festivals & Awards

* Official Selection, International Festival of New Latin American Cinema, Cuba
* Official Selection, International Festival of Documentaries, Three Continents, Venezuela
* Official Selection, Reel World's Cuban Film Festival
* Official Selection, Cine Latino, Germany
* Official Selection, World Community Film Festival, Vancouver

Reviews

“The informality of using handheld video cameras, delightful stills, and a lively background of Cuban music add to the earnestness of the film’s message – the Cuban culture has survived despite pressures which beg to be reexamined…. Bloqueo is a title worthy of consideration for most media collections.” - School Library Journal

“The film does a good job of presenting criticisms of U.S. policy and providing a look at Cuba beyond what is presented by the mainstream media. It would be useful for introducing undergraduate audiences to Cuba and U.S./Cuba relations.” - The Americas: A Quarterly Review of Inter-American Cultural History

“Bloqueo raises important questions about the legitimacy and efficacy of the more than four-decade-old US embargo against Cuba, using testimonies from ordinary citizens to show how the embargo has brought hardship to Cubans and Americans alike. The film also highlights some of the impressive advances that Cuba has made in medicine, agriculture, and energy, despite the embargo. Folks might disagree over Castro's leadership, but one thing is clear - the embargo helps no one, and drives an unnecessary wedge between our two countries. I applaud this film for bringing our attention to this outdated and hurtful policy.” – Congressman José E. Serrano

“A must see! This film is a journey of discovery - unveiling why Cuba is key in providing answers to the world's problems but also a journey in defense of our freedoms at a time when so few remain.” - Ana Perez, Global Exchange Cuba Program Director

“The 45-minute film provides a good overview of the 40-year blockade. Why does it still exist? What have been the effects? Two filmmakers travel to Cuba with the humanitarian group Pastors for Peace to interview activists, farmers, and clergy on the embargo's impact.” – Sojourners Magazine

“Rachel Dannefer and Heather Haddon have produced a short and highly impressive, honest, open and engaging video that provides us with a concise understanding of how Cuba and Cubans are responding to the effects of the American blockade.” – Pat Fuller, Cuba Si