By Honorary Reporter Dayviana Diaz from Cuba
Photos = Alicia Hechevarria, Chang Hee-ju Chang and Chang Gil-hwang

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul from July 15-17 hosted the Cuban Cinema Festival 2022 at Cinecube Gwanghwamun in the capital. Held under the slogan "Cuba through Cinema," the event screened eight contemporary Cuban movies.

Cuban actor Alicia Hechavarria, who has appeared in many dramas and films and is the daughter of the famous actor Fernando Hechavarria, attended the festival as the first Cuban woman invited to the event. She represents the young generation of Cuban artists who have worked with leading directors of Cuba's new cinematic wave.

The following are excerpts from an exclusive interview from July 16-19 with Alicia Hechavarria conducted via social media during her visit to Korea.

Profile of actor Alicia Hechavarria

How did you get invited to the Cuban Cinema Festival 2022 in Korea?

I'd been in contact with Korean nationals for years because my best friend is married to a Korean and I know representatives of the small Korean community in Cuba. Two Korean friends contacted me a few months ago when they were preparing to hold the festival in Korea and wanted me to participate. 

Eight movies were screened at the Cuban Cinema Festival 2022 in Seoul.

What did you think of the Cuban films chosen for this festival?
They asked me for suggestions but the final selections were by festival director Oh Dong-jin and his team. I felt the selected works were good and broad, with genres ranging from history to comedy and drama. This gave a much broader idea of who Cubans are as a society and culture and provided a more direct approach through the characters and people.

How important is it for Cuban cinema to be screened in Korea?
I spoke to Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin, who told me that he is fully willing to establish ties with Cuba despite the complexity of diplomatic relations. I was also happy to learn of his interest in cultural exchange between our countries. They want to make an approach soon through Mexico to contact Cuban artists and conduct cultural exchange more often. I found it interesting and gratifying to see high interest in Cuban culture in Korea and how well received it was.

The first film screened at the festival, "Fábula" (2010) starring Alicia Hechavarria, displayed the complexity of the character she played.

How was the film you starred in, "Fábula," received by Korean audiences?
My contact with the audience was interesting and enriching in the Q&A after the films were screened. Koreans wanted to know more about Cuba and see its cinema and culture to grow closer through art. I even had people writing to me through social media thanking me for attending the festival and answering their questions. This was one of the most beautiful things from this trip.

What impressed you the most about Korea during your visit?
When I got off the plane and took a taxi to the hotel, the first thing I felt was that I was in a drama. What I enjoyed the most were experiences like eating ramyeon (instant noodles), drinking soju (traditional liquor) and interacting with people. As an actor, this was a fascinating learning experience. I also loved the food -- I even managed to eat spicy stuff -- and traditional sweets. I had endless opportunities to discover new things. 

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.