PURPOSE: To gauge our film’s relevance & quality as a documentary, we’ve invited contemporary audiences to private screenings to respond to specific questions; offer their insights; and measure the public’s interest in the content of Activismo: Art & Dissidence in Cuba. Questions asked of small, private audience members included these.
1) What is the film’s discernible purpose, which is of importance to people today?
2) What aspects of the film best represent these criteria/qualities (memorable imagery, innovative storytelling-editing techniques, persuasive-instructive content, excellence in soundtrack, imagery, content)?
3) What are the redeemable values of the film, Activismo: Art & Dissidence in Cuba (historical-educational, cultural-aesthetic-artistic, humanitarian-ethical)?
Escanaba, MI
August 5, 2022
1) The content…{that weaves} together the story of arts, artists, and activism is amazing.
2) Very educational and eye opening for anyone as to the power of art in society.
3) The story of Che was particularly good. The artwork and artists—very impressive.
4) The historical overview was very helpful to see how Cuba, which had been shrouded in mystery, evolved to its current situation that prompted an outcry/dissidence.
5) Excellent job bringing out community conversation = the core of humanitarian focus.
6) This film and the Cuban artists it features reinforces the notion/belief that art is a shared language, an enormous power that can be used to transform. It will inspire other artists.
7) The plight of Cubans and others under totalitarian regimes is reaffirmation of the human spirit.
“Absolutely persuasive and instructive. Opened my eyes as a non-artist to alternative artistic expression. Very well done to my limited knowledge of film making. Illustrates the universality of Liberty and Art across cultures and artistic genres. Art speaking to power for the freedom of civic-political expression, {thus} an anti-totalitarian missive…of distinct import to United States audiences now, as we the people exert our power and authority to liberate ourselves from the duopoly media complex.” Dr. June Klees, Professor of History-Social Studies
Findlay Art League, Findlay, OH
February 6, 2023
1) What is the film’s discernible purpose, which is of importance to people today?
”Art is a reflection of society and an impetus for change & improvements”
”…film shows that Art can help pull the world together”
”...shows the impact of Art in a community”
”Art as a way to make people think as well as to challenge what’s viewed as reality”
2) What aspects of the film best represent these criteria/qualities:
memorable imagery:
”…pictures alone tell a powerful story”
innovative storytelling-editing techniques:
”Keeps your attention…time to read subtitles, quote”
persuasive-instructive content:
”…how to work around censorship was instructive”
”Images/photos that have become iconic don’t…represent the subject/person over time” excellence—soundtrack, imagery, content:
”The film flows…to convey story beautifully”
3) What are the redeemable values of the film?
historical-educational:
“The film could be used in a variety of settings to stimulate thought & discussion—schools, museums, art galleries, service clubs.”
”The quotes are a form of education”
”Tells another side of Cuba’s story…and shows the power of art & artists…on government & society”
cultural-aesthetic-artistic:
“The beauty of the country & the poverty are shown”
”Visual expression of human rights”
humanitarian-ethical:
”The importance of individual voices speaking out in a frozen society
”A visual expression of Human Rights”
”Freedom and truth as well as free expression are important to all of humanity”
”The Cuban artists sacrifice, not for self, but for others”
Ohio State University Branch, Lifelong Learning Program
April 6, 2023
1) Everyone has the power to step up and spark change... all {content was} represented artistically for inspiration.
2) The quest for a voice that may be anti-establishment but effective to create change… how the voice of a few can affect the many
3) To show the world the problem of censorship in Cuba {and around the world} today… the reason for black and white photography was interesting.
4) Art is revolution without words… art is a venue to inspire change in societies… daring to speak their beliefs through Art
5) People need freedom to be themselves… really liked the quotes… made me reflect
6) Was not aware how oppressed the Cuban people are.
7) Imagery is wonderful… telling the truth can be revolutionary
8) Black & white imagery makes a memorable impact… very informative
9) Tania {artist} as sacrificial lamb… the artist walking a tightrope—how to tell the truth without becoming incarcerated or worse
10) Telling the story of the importance of the freedom of expression—critical to democracy, individual freedoms, human rights
11) Soundtrack was perfect, and cinematography was beautiful… made me thirst for more
Oil City, PA Artists
Sept 2023
“In the film the Cuban visual and performance artists become the heroes of the Cuban culture. The Alberto Korda photo of Che Guevara demonstrates how revolutionary imagery [fashion photography] becomes icon, becomes propaganda, becomes lore, becomes art, and then becomes the opposite of every original intent—art out of control—no longer real art [my opinion]. The film presents this well.” George Cooley
“The weaving of the artists words and images…of the landscape, cityscapes with old cars—all brought together with the hauntingly evocative music of Tim Story…. held my attention throughout.” Margaret Bromstrom
Hotel Moonlight, Kathmandu, Nepal
June 12, 2023
“I wanted to express my gratitude for the invitation to the Audience Feedback Screening at Hotel Moonlight, Kathmandu, Nepal. As an audience member, I noted your effort to make people aware about Art as a powerful language and social influence, which is commendable for the public to know and understand. Activismo is truly inspiring and informative; I could truly relate to many of the social-political issues, concerns, conditions of my life as a Nepal citizen and as an artist & photographer. Once again, thank you for introducing me to such a remarkable film and for your valuable insights during the audience Q&A and discussion. I genuinely appreciate the knowledge and perspectives you shared, which have enriched my understanding of the subject matter, Cuba's problems, and the necessity of the "freedom of expression" for all humans.” Er. Kushsen Dahal: Director, JP Foundation, Nepal's first retirement home (Maitrisewa Ashram)
I had the privilege of watching the film—Activismo: Art & Dissidence in Cuba—created by Phil Sugden and Carole Elchert, colleagues at Bluffton University, and now, I feel compelled to reach out and express my admiration. The artist interviews and overall message conveyed through your work resonated deeply with me, offering both inspiration and ample food for thought. The dedication and passion both of you invested in this project are truly remarkable. Thank you for sharing such a powerful documentary with students, faculty, and the public. I look forward to experiencing more of your creative endeavors in the future.
—Bo Young Kang, DMA, Director of Choral Activities, Assistant Professor of Musician
