At the very height of the Cold War, Cuba risked the enmity of both superpowers by its unwavering commitment to the principle that Africa should be governed by the genuine representatives of its peoples. To that end they provided invaluable support to liberation struggles throughout the continent. The film focuses on Cuban efforts in Congo, Guinea-Bissau and during the war in Angola. It reveals incredible events that span thirty years, from Che Guevara's covert mission to avenge the death of Patrice Lumumba, to Fidel Castro's command of the decisive battle in Angola and the negotiations with Apartheid South Africa that finally ended the war.
Lebanon born El-Tahri is a French and Egyptian national. She has an MA in Political Science from the American University of Cairo. Between 1984 and 1990 she worked as a news agency correspondent, TV researcher, and associate producer in Tunisia and Egypt, covering politics in the Middle East.
In 1990, she began directing and producing documentaries for French television, and for the BBC since 1995. El-Tahri has been living in South Africa over the last four years, working with South African production company Big World Cinema on a documentary entitled Behind the Rainbow, which explores the transition of the ANC from a liberation movement to a ruling party.
Cuba: An African Odyssey premiered in South Africa during last year's edition of the Encounters Film Festival. It was considered a ‘must' selection by the festival organizers and proved to be a popular choice with film goers and politicians alike.
Its theatrical release is being undertaken with the support and assistance of the Parliamentary Millennium Program, which will also bring secondary and tertiary learners to see the film in an effort to promote greater understanding of this neglected area of African history.
Cuba: An African Odyssey will be showing at Nu Metro cinemas Hyde Park, Johannesburg and V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa from 9 - 22 May 2008.
