Campesino

We had the privilege of visiting Vinales in 2007 on a bicycle tour and like all gringos, we loved it. Like a lot of tourists we were drawn to the area by the physical beauty, but - also like a lot of tourists - we were so drawn in by the people. We did a daylong tour of the local farmlands and met some of the Campesinos and it was a day we will never forget; such warm and friendly people who are truly "salt of the earth". "Campesinos" really captures the essence of these humble Cubans who work so hard, yet laugh and smile just as much. The movie is a great combination of showing the fun loving Cubano spirit in real time while also showcasing the very impressive black and white photography of Carl Oelerich. Carl's pictures are timeless candid portraits of people who have lived hard lives but still have a lot of laugh lines around the eyes.

The movie might feel a little long, but by the end you realize that Carl and director Mia have captured the personalities of Carl's 15 year friends enough that you want to go meet them yourself.

If you've been to Cuba you'll love this reminder of the people that make the isolated island nation so special, and if you haven't yet made it there this will be all the inspiration you need to ignore the US State Dept's "warnings" and go. So make yourself a mojito and enjoy this great documentary!