Biografía:
Havana, 1928 He is one of the most important movie makers in the history of the Cuban and Latin American cinema. His first work was a documental about the life of coalmen in the Zapata swamp, which is considered by the critics as the best of the Cuabn creation in its decade. He has made important films such as Las doce sillas, La muerte de un burocrata and Memorias del subdesarrollo which are probes of his movie talent. Other pretty well known movies are: Los sobrevivientes (1978), La ultima cena (1976), and Fresa y Chocolate (1993), this one was nominated for an Oscar. He is a founder of the Cuban Institute of Art and Movie Industry (ICAIC). He was a member of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC). Retrospectives of his works are exhibited in cities of Europe, America and Asia. He has given conferences and seminaries in cultural centers of several countries. He has participated as advisor in the production workshops of the Sundance Institute, in the United States. He received several distinctions, such as the Order for the National Culture and the Felix Varela Order of First Degree, awarded by the State Council and, in 1988, he was entitled Permanent Professor in the Superior Institute of Art (ISA). He wrote several essays and articles published in national and foreign magazines and newspapers. He published in 1980 his essay Dialectica del espectador. His films have received several awards and distinctions allover the world. He died in Havana, of April, 16th 1996.
