EPICENTRO | Courtesy of Sundance Institute | photo by Hubert Sauper
Hubert Sauper offers a meditation on postcolonial Cuba.
Festival Section:
World Cinema Documentary Competition
Country:
Austria/France/USA
Sundance Program Description:
Waves crashing over a breakwater at the edge of the sea – this dramatic opening image conveys the vital spirit of a place that has withstood decades of external pressure. On the streets of Havana, residents of all ages share their views on living under such impositions by outsiders, as well as on the internal freedom they experience in spite of the repercussions of harsh sanctions. Descriptions of the waves of imperialism that have shaped this country’s history provide a deeper understanding of the impact of long-term oppression and the powerful desire to exist without outside forces weighing in.
Academy Award-nominated director Hubert Sauper (DARWIN’S NIGHTMARE) explores contemporary perspectives from citizens of the golden isle accompanied by images of another time – reflecting how Cuba still sits partially frozen in time, delicately suspended between the modern era and a time before technology seeped into all facets of life. A visual meld of geopolitical, cinematic, and personal connections, EPICENTRO enchants and suggests a new perspective on an old world.
Some Background:
Director/Editor/Writer:
Past Sundance docs:
WE COME AS FRIENDS
Sauper picked up a special jury prize for cinematic bravery for his previous doc at Sundance, which went on to be shortlisted for the Oscars.
Producers:
Marquet is a film publicist and producer. He previously co-produced 2016 Sundance alumni fiction feature DARK NIGHT.
Marquet is a French film industry veteran who has held executive positions at Studio Canal, Unifrance, The Movie Group, and Polygram. This is his first Sundance credit.
Past Sundance docs:
WE COME AS FRIENDS
The Vienna-based Kranzelbinder also co-produced 2007 Sundance alumni fiction feature EZRA and 2004 short FAST FILM.
This is the first Sundance credit for the Little Magnet Films’ producer, who previously produced several films by Jem Cohen.
Executive Producers:
Past Sundance docs:
HOLY HELL (2016)
Donaldson is a noted entertainment attorney and founding partner of Donaldson & Callif, a law firm specializing in copyright and entertainment law. He has provided legal services to scores of past Sundance titles.
Recent past Sundance docs:
SHOOTING THE MAFIA (2019)
BISBEE ’17 (2018)
OF FATHERS AND SONS (2018)
OUR NEW PRESIDENT (2018)
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR (2018)
BENDING THE ARC (2017)
DINA (2017)
ICARUS (2017)
STEP (2017)
TROPHY (2017)
UNREST (2017)
Cogan, the Oscar-winning co-founder and chairman of Impact Partners, has recently launched Story Syndicate, his own production company in partnership with acclaimed filmmaker Liz Garbus. He also serves as executive producer for fellow 2020 Sundance titles SPACESHIP EARTH and US KIDS, both in the US Documentary Competition; and ASSASSINS, ON THE RECORD, and GIVING VOICE, all in Documentary Premieres.
Co-Executive Producers:
Recent past Sundance docs:
SHOOTING THE MAFIA
BISBEE ’17
OF FATHERS AND SONS
OUR NEW PRESIDENT
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR
BENDING THE ARC
DINA
ICARUS
STEP
UNREST
Raskin is the executive director of Impact Partners. She also serves as executive producer for SPACESHIP EARTH, US KIDS, and GIVING VOICE.
Past Sundance docs:
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN? (2008)
Mentrem former head of acquisitions at Miramax, also executive produced Sundance alumni fiction features WIND RIVER, LAY THE FAVORITE, SILENT HOUSE, and THE EXTRA MAN.
Why You Should Watch:
As in his previous work, Sauper takes an idiosyncratic approach in his latest film, presenting a portrait of Cuba by exploring myth-making through cinema, as well as via the viewpoints of present-day residents – and the encroachment of the outside world through the gaze and privilege of tourists.
More Info:
For Sundance screening dates and times, click the film title in the first paragraph.
what (not) to doc 