Guantanamo.-The 48th Political Song Festival is being held this year with a special focus: the influence of la nueva trova (the new trova) on Cuba’s audiovisual production, a topic that not only resonates in the musical sphere, but has also left an indelible mark on the island’s cinema.
That is why this edition of the festival becomes an ideal platform to remember and celebrate the rich intersection between these two art forms.
Since its first manifestations in the 1960s, the nueva trova has been a vehicle of expression for the social and political concerns of the Cuban people. Its connection with cinema was consolidated with the creation of the ICAIC Sound Experimentation Group (GESI), a group that revolutionized the way music was conceived in the cinematographic context.
This group, under the direction of figures such as Leo Brouwer, sought to fuse music with the cinema language, creating soundtracks that enriched the audiovisuals narratively. Emblematic films such as “Memorias del subdesarrollo” and “Lucía” are clear examples of how the music of the nueva trova became an integral part of the Cuban cinematographic narrative.
Silvio Rodríguez and Pablo Milanés, pioneers of that movement, left their mark on cinema, with songs used in various productions, contributing an emotional and poetic charge that elevates the stories told on screen. The lyrics of Rodríguez’s “Playa Girón”, for example, have resonated in documentaries dealing with Cuba’s history and challenges, becoming a symbol of resistance and hope.
Eduardo Sosa, with his ability to connect with audiences through evocative lyrics and melodies, has participated in film projects exploring contemporary issues. His song “Canto a mí mismo”, used in the documentary “Cuba: La revolución que no fue”, reflects the search for identity and belonging that characterizes many Cubans today.
Other artists such as Vicente Feliú and Sara González contributed significantly to this fusion. Feliú, with his unique style and committed lyrics, accompanied numerous film productions addressing current social issues.
Sara González, known for her powerful voice and political commitment, left a significant mark on Cuban cinema with her performances in films, portraying the people´s daily life and struggles.
The 48th Political Song Festival reminds us that the nueva trova is not only a musical phenomenon; it is a cultural movement that has permeated all aspects of Cuban life, including cinema. Through their lyrics and melodies, these artists have created a bridge between music and the seventh art, thus enriching Cuba’s cultural heritage and offering a powerful voice to the people´s struggles and hopes. In this space of reflection and celebration, it is essential to recognize and value this connection that continues to inspire new generations of creators and spectators.
Translated and edited by Dayla Perez Ortiz.
