Sergio and Sergei

Based on a true story, this whimsical and lighthearted tale remains grounded in human struggles and emotions through the eyes and ears of Sergio (Tomás Cao, Viva), a young Cuban art professor and ham radio operator. Opening with a long zoom from outer space down to Earth, a lone figure rides his bicycle on the streets of Havana circa 1991 as Fidel Castro proclaims the continuation of the Cuban Revolution over the radio, even as the Soviet Union collapses. Sergio eagerly reaches out to the wider world, making friends on both sides of the Cold War, including Sergei, a Soviet cosmonaut orbiting alone on the Mir space station, and Peter (Ron Perlman), an American journalist in New York. Though the special effects are low-budget, they are terrific in recreating the interstellar world. Back on Earth, the film depicts Havana continuing to glow in gorgeous light and colors even as electrical blackouts, government surveillance, and goods shortages leave many Cubans restless and longing for escape.

Expected Guest: Talent Hector Noas  (All Screenings)