Hotel Nueva Isla

  • 80'
  • Cuba
  • 2014
In bygone days, the Nueva Isla hotel in Cuba was a place of grandeur, overflowing with life and guests. Now, it is a dilapidated ruin, with parts of the ceiling falling down and damp eroding the walls. Nevertheless, the building is still inhabited - by the aged Jorge and his faithful dog, as well as a few of his friends who find themselves homeless.
Jorge's best years were spent working as an official in a strictly governed but vital Cuba. Now, he spends his days poking around and digging - if you look carefully, there is memorabilia buried beneath the rubble. His friends have a more realistic outlook, and one by one leave the disintegrating building.
The old man is followed in tender, calm footage of his day-to-day life - ‘maintaining’ the hotel, talking to the other residents, carrying on a romantic relationship with a woman in his improvised home; with kind words and a cautious dance to music recalling an era that has gone forever.
Directors
Irene Gutiérrez, Javier Labrador
Premiere
World premiere
Countries of production
Cuba, Spain
Year
2014
Festival Edition
IFFR 2014
Length
80'
Medium
DCP
Language
Spanish
Producers
José Alayón, Claudia Calviño
Production Companies
El Viaje Films, Producciones de la 5ta Avenida
Sales
El Viaje Films
Screenplay
Irene Gutiérrez, Javier Labrador
Cinematography
Javier Labrador
Editor
Lorenzo Salazar
Sound Design
Carlos García
Website
http://hotelnuevaisla2015.com
Directors
Irene Gutiérrez, Javier Labrador
Premiere
World premiere
Countries of production
Cuba, Spain
Year
2014
Festival Edition
IFFR 2014
Length
80'
Medium
DCP
Language
Spanish
Producers
José Alayón, Claudia Calviño
Production Companies
El Viaje Films, Producciones de la 5ta Avenida
Sales
El Viaje Films
Screenplay
Irene Gutiérrez, Javier Labrador
Cinematography
Javier Labrador
Editor
Lorenzo Salazar
Sound Design
Carlos García
Website
http://hotelnuevaisla2015.com