Free Owsley Sunday Film: Two from Cuba: 25th Latin American Film Festival, University of Louisville: On the Roof (El Techo)

Free Owsley Sunday Film: Two from Cuba: 25th Latin American Film Festival, University of Louisville

On the Roof (El Techo)

Directed by Patricia Ramos

Sunday, October 28, 12:30 pm

Free

“Ramos’ stories are funny and down to earth, offering a much welcome look at contemporary Cuba.” —Manuel Betancourt, Remezcla

In this feel-good ensemble dramedy, a flat rooftop in an old Havana neighborhood is the natural habitat for three friends who spend their days and nights dreaming about the future.

Yasmani is an amateur pigeon fancier who is too shy to talk to a girl he likes; Victor José has convinced himself of his Sicilian descent and now prefers to go by Vito; Anita is five months pregnant and pretends that she doesn’t care who the father is. In the midst of their boredom, without money and dreaming about success, they decide to set up their own business. The cost of this dream will finally lead them to personal maturity, but with some difficulty.

A deliciously off-beat romantic comedy, On the Roofdoesn’t shy away from tackling the problems facing contemporary Cuban youth. The film offers an impeccable balance of colloquial charm and universal appeal. Patricia Ramos and her excellent cast have crafted highly relatable characters with varying degrees of ambition, ingenuity, and quirk. 2017, Cuba/Nicaragua, DCP, in Spanish with English subtitles, 75 minutes. Recommended for 14+.

Presented with University of Louisville’s 25th Latin American Film Festival. Partially presented as part of the Spanish Film Club series with the support of Pragda, and the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC Spain-USA Foundation.