Art, Music & Film from Oriente, Cuba, Unite to Create... "Luminous Shadows"

    /24-7PressRelease/ - HOLLYWOOD, FL, August 07, 2007 - Breaking new ground in the world of Cuban Art, Music & Film, "Luminous Shadows" a 43 minute Documentary, Produced by Clyde & Brigid Hensley, who are the visionary Founders and Directors of the Eastern Cuba Cultural Exchange, whose mission is to foster an environment of good will through the sharing of Art and Culture...takes viewers on an insightful journey through Oriente, Cuba's easternmost region, where they will become acquainted with the most highly acclaimed Artists from this culturally rich province of Cuba. The Documentary has received such favorable reviews, that it was recently commissioned in the US for programming by KTWU/PBS and is scheduled to air first on August 8th at 8pm in Kansas. The Documentary was also acquired for distribution in Europe by Neuzeitfilm Solutions of Frankfurt, who has signed an agreement with Arte de Cuba Publishing to distribute "Luminous Shadows, The Artists of Eastern Cuba" and expects to broadcast and sell DVD's in over 20 countries in Europe, Australia, and Japan. The distribution of the film in the EU is a great chance for the Artists of this little known region of Cuba to get their artistic message out to the rest of the world. Additional available territories are being negotiated by Marisela D'Baldriche, CEO of The Versatile Group of Hollywood, a Multi-Media Entertainment and Marketing Company, who recently acquired the rights from Arte de Cuba Publishing to market the film's distribution in all other available markets worldwide.

The Hensley's, who are well known for their discoveries and the many contributions they have provided to the Arts, discovered these artistic treasures from Oriente, after their extensive travels and lifelong interest in Art, brought them to Eastern Cuba in 1995. There they met and befriended many Artists who's work under difficult conditions, with few materials had made it difficult for them to paint their luminous visions, making them virtually unheard of until recent times. Determined by their belief in each Artists infinite potentials, they set out to provide the necessary humanitarian support with numerous trips to the area bringing with them over the years thousands of square feet of canvas as well as oil and acrylic paints, brushes, and much needed other support materials.

After years of persevering, a new paradigm in artistic imagery was born and set to be unveiled and they have since then amassed a large and unique Collection of Art from the region, that lent to the production of their most recent accomplishments with the making of this extraordinary Documentary, which is the first of its kind to ever focus exclusively on the cultural art of the Artists from Oriente. A place often described as the heartland of Cuban culture. Oriente is located over 650 miles from Havana and is not well known by Americans due to the complex relationship between Cuba and the United States, which limits travel to Cuba. However, although we are officially separated from this island nation only 92 miles from our shores, the American and Cuban people have much in common and our histories are intertwined. Large numbers of Cuban-Americans live in the United States and many families and individuals here have close ties with Cuban citizens.

"Luminous Shadows" was produced in Spanish with English subtitles, so viewers may capture the true essence and emotional feelings of each individual Artist interviewed. Each encounter is unique with dialogue and images so real and profound that one is compelled to want to experience more of the visual arts displayed by a not so distant culture, which still to this day remains to be discovered. Especially compelling is the captured presence and artistic imagery left behind by Antonio Ferrer Cabello, a third generation, 93 year old Maestro, and former Director of the Bacardí Museum, who is now deceased, yet had the opportunity to speak out in the film about the city he loves so much and its' "luminous shadows".

The true colors captured in this one of a kind Documentary, dominates the screen, bathing the viewer with the rainbow brilliance of each Artist and the words of passion they speak when they discuss their work and how they have been able to create their intense and diverse palettes, in the midst of the difficulties that often plague them in their provincial villages. As the story unfolds, the viewer will be transported to what will seem as a present past, by way of visits to the Artists cities, homes and studios in Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Holguín, Manzanillo, and Bayamo, all providing the exotic backdrop that features the Sierra Maestra mountain range, its people, 16th Century architecture and splendid harbor vistas while the Artists discuss from a very personal level, not only individual paintings, but also the passion for their works, the inspirations that help them overlook their struggles to find materials and their philosophical artistic outlooks. A unique and delightful brand of Cuban humor often permeates the conversations and adds to the emotional and intellectual impact of their stories. Most impressive are the images brought forth on canvas by each individual brush.

Clyde and Brigid Hensley, Founders of the Eastern Cuba Cultural Exchange, stated that "they are very pleased to present their very own private collection by these featured Master Artists, entitled "Cuba, Oriente: Contemporary Paintings from Eastern Cuba". The collection is currently on a three year U. S. National Exhibition Tour through September 2007... and is being managed by Meridian International Center of Washington, D.C., who also shares a dedication to promoting universal understanding with the exchange of ideas through the Arts. In describing the motive for his continued passion for his Cuban project the producer, Clyde Hensley says, "working through the arts and cultural exchange offers us a unique opportunity to establish non-judgmental communication between the citizens of our long-divided societies...and helps to bring about an atmosphere of mutual respect which can only help to pave the road to understanding and reconciliation."

This exceptional exhibition of 60 rich and vibrant works from Cuba's eastern region is the longest running exhibition of Cuban Art in the U.S. and has been extended twice, due to popular demand and the overwhelming response from the public, since it's opening in November 2003. Therefore, Meridian International Center of Washington, DC and www.cubanart.org have agreed that the extension of the touring exhibition will include 5 additional locations. Visitor turnout and responsiveness of 18,000 to 20,000 visitors per venue has been so remarkable in all locations that availability still exists for one or more venues at www.cubanart.org/english/exhibitions.htm.

The Artists featured in this exhibit span generations. Several are self-taught, while others have received extensive academic training. They are from varied backgrounds and the group includes a former Museum Director, several Professors and a Policeman. The artwork in the exhibition offers the viewer a glimpse into the many styles common to the region, including landscape painting, cubism and surrealism. A theme that not only reflects the Artists' heritage and identity, but also shows a concern for social and environmental issues. These Artists share the unique ability of expressing both the social issues of the Cuban people and the intoxicating beauty of their tropical homeland. The exhibition will provide American Museums with a rare view of this rich, historic and multi-ethnic land, so close to our country, yet so remarkably unknown.

As for the film's music soundtrack, Arte de Cuba Publishing made an agreement with Discmedi of Barcelona, Spain to include music that is indigenous to the region, from a well known musical group "La Familia Valera Miranda", who's award winning album, "SON ASI" compliments this cultural arts film with the insightful view of their talented group of Artists from Eastern Cuba that spans three generations of musicians... playing to the heart and soul of the people of Oriente. "When you have dealings with F lix Varela Miranda, a huge connoisseur of the secrets of life, a standing figure of a centennial family dedicated to cultivate genuine music tradition, you can see on his eyes the love and devotion he feels about his art, the deep respect for his works and his tenacity in front of the facts of life", says Clyde Hensley. Felix Varela Miranda officially founded La Familia Valera Miranda sextet in 1985 with his wife Carmen, his three sons (Enrique, Raúl and Ernesto) and Radam s, responsible for second voices, claves and occasionally the cuatro. Radam s was Felix's schoolmate who has always been very close to the family, its story and particular way of understanding their music. The album selected is an unusual repertoire that includes numbers by some of the most internationally acclaimed Cuban composers: Lorenzo Hierrezuelo, Eduardo Saborit, Simón Díaz, Mercedes Pedroso, among others, although they perform in their very own unique way to pay homage to the music of such outstanding Maestros. The texts have been carefully chosen for its suggestive meanings and lack of sophistication, in both cases two of the main characteristics of the way Cuban people talk. The group has also traveled world-wide to share their music with many other cultures. Winners of numerous awards, "La Familia Valera Miranda", carries on the great traditions of the musicians of Cuba, bringing Music, Art & Film together to tell a story that combines three universal mediums with a perfect harmony for this extraordinary Documentary.

In addition, Meridian International & Global Tapestry collaborated as Associate Producers. Andrew Buchanan was the Director of Photography and provided sound and lighting with the assistance of Andres Borges. The film was edited by Michael Lucas, with special editing assistance by Tom Jackson and Isadore Bleckman, formerly of CBS Sunday morning with Charles Kuralt. Supplementing the storyline was Prof. Lidia Margarite Bofill, Historical Consultant and current Head of the University of Oriente's Art History Dept., Specialist in Cuban and Caribbean Art. The main interviewer, Reinaldo Cedeño from Santiago de Cuba, is a writer for television and radio and has won several national awards in Cuba for his interviews on subjects relating to the Arts. Ramon Ulrich of Barcelona, Spain is also an artist interviewer. The translations were written by Ellen Rosenzweig, MA of Oakland, CA. A professional translator, whose particular areas of expertise involves Cuban Spanish.

For information involving the "Eastern Cuba Cultural Exchange", "Arte de Cuba" and the "Cuban Art" store online, please contact: Studio: 772-225-2520
Cell: 305-509-0973 or e-mail your inquiries at [email protected], www.cubanart.org

For information about hosting "Cuba Oriente: Contemporary Painting from Eastern Cuba"
Traveling exhibition contact Meridian's Director of Exhibitions, Dr. Curtis Sandberg by e-mail at [email protected] or contact Clyde Hensley at e-mail [email protected] or (305)509-0973.

For information regarding the "Luminous Shadows" Documentary and available worldwide rights for broadcast and distribution, please contact Marisela D'Baldriche, CEO of The Versatile Group of Hollywood at 954-274-7538 or e-mail: [email protected].

About The Versatile Group of Hollywood
The Versatile Group of Hollywood, is one source offering versatile multi-media resources. The Company is composed by a diversified Group of professionals from Florida, Los Angeles and Mexico. Together, they provide clients with a full array of Production, PR, Marketing, Promotion,E-Publishing and Distribution services worldwide.

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