Waiting for Fidel

The legendary media mogul, Geoffrey W. Stirling and Newfoundland's Father of Confederation, Mr. Joseph R. Smallwood, go to Cuba to meet with Fidel Castro. Unfortunately, the intended meeting does not occur. Director Michael Rubbo does a wonderful job of carving out a film where others would probably just move on and never look back. This, of course, has everything to do with Mr. Stirling's media influence and thus we are left with a brilliant piece of history and a window into Cuba and its people. I was lucky enough to have many conversations with Mr. Stirling about his film and still, to this day, cherish the personal VHS copy he gifted me!

While taking film in university I had the good fortune of having this documentary recommended to me. The director Michael Rubbo goes to Cuba to interview Fidel Castro. The meeting never occurs, hence the title. While most directors may have scrapped the project Rubbo instead creates a interesting and eye-opening documentary on Cuba. The film doesn't take a pro- or anti- Castro stance. Instead it shows you how life is lived on both sides of the fence. Highly recommended documentary for both those interested in this particular film style and interested in being better educated on Cuba. Waiting for Fidel rates an 8 out of 10.