Thursday, June 19, 2014

Americas Media Initiative Delegation


Americas Media Initiative (AMI) is organizing a special delegation in collaboration with OFAC licensed Anthropologie Consulting that will focus on contemporary filmmaking in Cuba from November 23-27, 2014.

AMI has brought new tools to the cultural and policy landscapes that have defined U.S. – Cuba relations for decades. AMI is organizing groundbreaking Cuban film programs in the U.S. that use the power of film to forge landmark cultural exchange between U.S. and Cuban citizens. 

In addition to its innovative work in the U.S, AMI has brought important U.S. films and filmmakers to the Cuban provinces for the first time, collaborating with key cultural institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the PBS documentary series, POV.
This will be the first delegation that AMI has organized to Cuba and will provide insight and access that is rarely available for U.S. visitors interested in contemporary Cuban film and its shifting landscape. Due to the close working relationship AMI has with many young filmmakers, delegates will meet with independent documentary and fiction filmmakers and animators. AMI will also visit the offices of independent film production houses such as 5ta Avenida and Central Productions. 

Delegates will meet with staff of the Muestra Joven (Young Directors Film Festival). During the event, delegates will engage in conversations with filmmakers in a variety of settings about their push to legalize independent production in the context of the new economic reforms that are taking place in Cuba and how they see their role in the future of Cuban film. 

This delegation is geared for filmmakers and film business professionals. All events will have English interpretation. AMI Director, Alexandra Halkin will be present for the entire visit and will share her insights and analysis.

http://blogs.indiewire.com/sydneylevine/latinobuzz-film-delegation-to-havana-nov-23-27-international-film-business

Thursday, June 12, 2014

45th Venceremos Brigade Invites Applicants

The 45th contingent of the Venceremos Brigade is getting ready to
travel to Cuba from July 20th to August 2nd. The group will visit
places of interests and will get a first had look at the current
economic transformations underway across the island. The Venceremos
Brigade will receive lectures on the Cuban reality and will be able to
exchange with the people and also participate in the July 26th
commemorations.

In 1969, a coalition of young people formed the Venceremos (We Shall
Overcome) Brigade, as a means of showing solidarity with the Cuban
Revolution by working side by side with Cuban workers and challenging
U.S. policies towards Cuba, including the economic blockade and our
government's ban on travel to the island. The first Brigades
participated in sugar harvests and subsequent Brigades have done
agricultural and construction work in many parts of the island.

It is the perfect moment to come to Cuba with the group as a number of
growing Americans are in favor of lifting the unjust economic blockade
and are calling for normalizing ties between both countries and the
release of the remaining 3 members of the Cuban Five.

If you are interested in joining this year´s Brigade to Cuba please
email to vbrigade@gmail.com

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Cuba: A chance to meet people and enjoy the arts in Havana

Havana (Cuba)CubaTrips and VacationsTravelErnest Hemingway
Micro tour of Havana highlights music, classic cars and Ernest Hemingway
Travelers who want to see the cultural side of Havana might look to a short "micro" tour offered by Classic Journeys. The tour allows visitors to mix with Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba performers during the troupe's rehearsal and meet members of a 1950s classic car club to become more immersed in day-to-day life on the island nation.
For decades, Cuba was out of the reach of American travelers. But people-to-people exchange tours are allowed, and the Obama administration has eased regulations on these types of trips. The company, based in La Jolla, has expanded its number of trips to Cuba and created this new five-day cultural itinerary.
The accent of this five-day tour is on meeting the locals, such as artist Jose Fuster and musicians of all kinds. During the five days, participants visit a private jazz club, Ernest Hemingway's home museum, the country's oldest cigar factory and Havana's Malecon promenade. The group spends three nights in Havana and one in Miami.
When: Trips are available from October through April.
Price: $3,995 per person, double occupancy. It includes accommodations, most meals, authorization letter for visa, guide and ground transportation. Participants also pay $549 to $649 per person for charter airfare from Miami to Havana; airfare to and from Miami is extra.
Info: Classic Journeys, (800) 200-3887
http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-cuba-walking-tour-20140605-story.html

Friday, June 6, 2014

FITCUBA May 5-7 2015, will be dedicated to Italy


cuba-nautical-tourism
Fitcuba 2015 willl promote the nautical tourism in the island.
Havana.- The Cuba International Tourism Fair, FITCUBA 2015, will be dedicated to Italy, as guest country, announced Hilda Prieto president of the travel press section at the Association of Cuban Journalists (UPEC) during an International Seminar on Travel Journalism that was celebrated in Cuba last week.

The meeting was organized “as an added value to the development of that national, Cuba news agency Prensa Latina report. The meeting took place at the “Jose Marti” International Journalism Institute, in Havana. Around 60 experts from Colombia, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, Nicaragua and Cuba (some 30 foreigners), attended the conference.
The seminar has taken place annually over the last 10 years with the objective of exchanging experiences regarding tourism communications meant to encourage the development of tourism, with emphasis on Latin America.

The 2014 program included talks, tours, and issues such as Destination Cuba, Hemingway and his journalistic legacy in Havana, social networking trends, the global travel industry system, and gastronomy, among other topics.

Participants visited sites of interest in Old Havana, crafts stores, and meet with Cuban artists, like the singers and composers David and Ernesto Blanco.
Prieto also confirmed that the Cuba International Tourism Fair, FITCUBA 2015, will be in the Cuban province of Ciego de Avila.  [May 5-7, see article below]

http://www.traveltradecaribbean.com/its-official-fitcuba-2015-will-be-dedicated-to-italy



FitCuba 2015: Náutica y Jardines del Rey como protagonistas

8 mayo 2014 | 6
Jardines del ReyExpertos aseguran queel protagonismo de la 35 Feria Internacional de Turismo, prevista a celebrarse del cinco al siete de mayo de 2015 será para la modalidad náutica y el destino cayos Jardines del Rey, en la provincia de Ciego de Ávila.
María del Carmen Orellana, directora comercial del Ministerio de Turismo anunció, además, que Italia recibirá los principales honores de la próxima edición como país invitado.
La selección de esa nación europea responde a las potencialidades que tiene como importante mercado emisor de turistas para Cuba, y su recuperación en las operaciones de hoteles y clubes en este territorio antillano.
Siempre presente en los recorridos de visitantes internacionales por la Isla, La Habana sobresalió como escenario idóneo para acoger la principal bolsa turística del país en 2014, dedicada en esta ocasión al producto circuitos, y a Francia, significó la directiva.  
En FitCuba 2014, profesionales del sector, nacionales y extranjeros, han recibido una exhaustiva actualización de las ofertas turísticas cubanas y perspectivas de desarrollo para los próximos años.
Intensas jornadas de negociaciones y presentaciones por los principales grupos empresariales del sistema de turismo de Cuba, entre estas, Viajes Cubanacán, Gran Caribe, Gaviota y Paradiso, atrajeron la atención de interesados en promover las bondades del destino Cuba en el mundo.
De acuerdo con Orellana, participan en la cita 419 turoperadores, 149 agentes de viajes, 195 periodistas, 175 representantes de grupos hoteleros y 58 de líneas aéreas, para un total de mil 187 acreditaciones, de 48 países.
En el Parque Histórico Militar Morro –Cabaña, sede del encuentro, el público podrá asistir los días nueve y 10, a diversas actividades recreativas y conocerán ofertas especiales de cara a la venidera temporada de verano, la más dinámica para el mercado nacional.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Kansas City Jazz Band Goes to Havana Festival with Friends in December

Community invited to join KCKCC Jazz Band in Cuba, Dec. 16-22

KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Anyone ever wishing to visit the intriguing country of Cuba, Kansas City Kansas Community College is offering a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The KCKCC Jazz Band will be performing in the 30th Annual Havana Jazz Festival Dec. 16-22 and members of the community are invited to go along.

“This is going to be a great tour and huge fun,” says Bill Yeazel, former director of the KCKCC Performing Arts Center who is organizing the trip for the college. “Having been to Havana a couple of times, it is truly a unique destination and the music scene at night is spectacular.”

The cost of the land package in Cuba is $1,769 and includes hotel based on double occupancy, four lunches and one dinner, all ground travel and airport transfers and All-Access passes to all Festival events.

Not included is a $20 Cuban tourist card, a $300 license to return to the U.S. and airfare. Because American airlines are not allowed to fly to Cuba, connections will be made through Cancun, Mexico. The  Cancun-Havana round trip is currently $320 while the cost of Kansas City-Cancun flights has yet to be determined.

“Because the flights from Kansas City to Cancun fluctuate so much, we are highly encouraging anyone seriously interested in making the trip to contact us immediately in order that we can book the necessary number of seats as soon as possible,” said Yeazel.

Only the first 30 persons to sign up will be guaranteed space on the trip. Persons interested are urged to contact Yeazel at yeazel@... or 816-665-0296 or Mayre Hoffman at mhoffman@....

An informational and sign-up meeting on the trip will be held in the College’s Conference Center adjacent to the Campus Lake at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24. However, persons interested in making the trip are urged to contact Yeazel or Hoffman as soon as possible.

In addition to attending performances of the world famous Havana Jazz Festival which will include premium seats at the Festival’s opening and closing ceremonies, the trip will offer a spectacular tour of the highlights including:

•    Guided tour of the Havana Historical Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
•    Day trip exploration of Vinales Valley and Town, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
•    Tour of Cuba’s National Museum of Fine Arts.
•    Visit to Iinstituto Superior de Arte (ISA), the country’s top art academy.
•    Luncheon hosted by Jose Fuster, renowned Cuban ceramist and painter.
•    Exploration of Finca Vigia, where Earnest Hemingway lived and wrote for more than 20 years.
•    Tap dancing and live  jazz music at Pena de Santa Amalia.
•    Welcome dinner at Havana’s famous restaurant, El Aljibe.
•    Farewell lunch at La Ferminia restaurant.

The Festival will open on Wednesday, Dec. 17, with the KCKCC Jazz Band performing on Thursday and Friday nights. The Festival will close on Sunday with the return to Kansas City on Monday.

A complete and comprehensive itinerary can be found on-line at www.kansascityjazz.org and is highly recommended for anyone interested in making the trip.