Brasil de Fato Launches Documentary on Fidel Castro’s Legacy for His Centenary

Original article: Brasil de Fato estrena documental sobre el legado de Fidel Castro en el centenario de su nacimiento

On the day Fidel Castro would have turned 100 (August 13), Brasil de Fato premiered Fidel and the Socialist Cuba – Burning the Skies, a documentary that revisits the journey, ideas, and legacy of the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, in light of the challenges currently facing the nation.

Produced after 14 days of on-the-ground work, primarily in Havana and surrounding cities, the film features exclusive interviews with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, lawmaker Mariela Castro—Fidel’s niece and Raúl Castro’s daughter—and doctor Aleida Guevara, daughter of Ernesto Che Guevara.

Workers, farmers, artists, scientists, as well as young people and children, also share their perspectives in the film, expanding the narrative surrounding the Cuban leader’s legacy.

“Producing this documentary reaffirms a belief about the role of journalism at Brasil de Fato. If we want to understand a country, we must start by listening to it. This demands presence, time, investment, and readiness. It’s a costly and labor-intensive journey, but we remain steadfast, with committed journalism for the working class and an internationalist character,” states Nina Fideles, executive director of Brasil de Fato.

The production combines contemporary testimonies with historical footage and previously unseen records from the Cuban Revolution, including lesser-known speeches by Fidel, sourced through research in the news archive of the Cuban Institute of Art and Cinematographic Industry. The Commander’s voice guides the narrative, linking different moments of his journey to present-day Cuba.

In a context marked by the intensification of the U.S. embargo and an economic and energy crisis, characterized by fuel shortages, blackouts, and impacts on transportation, supply, health services, and education, the film explores how ideas associated with Fidel continue to be mobilized in search of alternatives.

The interview with Díaz-Canel is one of the highlights of the production. The Cuban president reflects on his relationship with Fidel and discusses how his ideas can engage with contemporary issues, including the concept of ‘creative resistance’: the quest for development, science, innovation, and new solutions to address hardships.

“We must invent, create, and find ways to emerge from the hole we are in, without ever losing sight of a socialist society,” summarizes Aleida Guevara in the documentary.

More than just chronicling the journey of one of the 20th century’s key political figures, Fidel and the Socialist Cuba – Burning the Skies examines how Fidel’s legacy is activated in light of the challenges Cuba faces as it defends its sovereignty and socialism.

The documentary is available on Brasil de Fato’s YouTube channel HERE