"Frenemies - Cuba and the U.S. Embargo"
"Set to the pulsating beats of Afro-Caribbean music, the feature-length documentary film Frenemies examines the fraught relationship between the island nation of Cuba and the United States. Blending 1950s archival footage with contemporary shots of Cuba's economic decay and vibrant culture, the film paints a vivid portrait of a nation fighting for survival against the world's longest-running embargo. "
Film trailer click here https://www.movingimages.pictures
Youtube video of zoom here
Zoom discussion with award winning
Brazilian American filmmaker Mirella Martinelli
and with
Dr. Philip Brenner
Emeritus Professor of International Relations and History, American University
Jorge Quintana
Executive Director, Center for Democracy in the Americas
Stephanie Burgos
Senior Strategist at Oxfam America
Paul Johnson
Executive Director, United States Agriculture Coalition for Cuba
Jorge Ignacio Fernandez
President, Hope for Cuba Foundation
John McAuliff
Executive Director, Fund for Reconciliation and Development
Tuesday, February 8, 4 p.m. ET
Cosponsored by the Center for Democracy in the Americas
As a strong supporter of rapprochement with Cuba, Jorge
founded Cuba Connections Corp., a nonprofit dedicated to forming relationships
between Montanans and Cubans. The son of Cuban immigrants, Jorge received his
B.A. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and his J.D. from the
University of Montana School of Law. www.democracyinamericas.org
Jorge Ignacio Fernandez is President and CEO of Hope for Cuba Foundation. He was born in Havana, and has been active in the international corporate arena for over 30 years including extensive worldwide travel. His senior executive corporate posts include material handling, telecommunications, food industries, pharmaceutical and bio organizations both at the Fortune 100 and mid size level companies as well as start ups. He was Executive Director and Co Founder of Americans for Humanitarian Trade with Cuba formed in 1998. He has worked closely with the Catholic Church in Cuba and the US and with the Vatican since 1997. www.hopeforcuba.net
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For additional background
"Cuba: The U.S. Embargo After Sixty Years" a webinar presented on January 28 by the National Security Archive and the Washington Office on Latin America with Dr. William M. LeoGrande, Dr. Ricardo Torres Pérez, Gail Reed, and Peter Kornbluh View it here
"Today marks 60 years of the Cuban embargo. What exactly is it?" by William LeoGrande February 3,2022 Responsible Statecraft
"Sixty years after U.S. embargo, its imprint affects Cubans' daily lives" by Ed Augustin
Feb. 4, 2022 NBC News
"Cuba Embargoed: U.S.
Trade Sanctions Turn Sixty" Compilation of documents by National Security Archive
"The US should use
agricultural trade to help Cuba and build lasting economic bridges" by
Paul Johnson January 10, 2022 Chicago Tribune
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Presented by the Fund for Reconciliation and Development
To make tax deductible donations to support the zoom discussion, click here
For further information, contact jmcauliff@ffrd.org
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Chat
16:27:10 From John McAuliff : To support the film, donate here https://www.movingimages.pictures/sponsorship
16:31:05 From Jorge Quintana https://www.democracyinamericas.org/us-cuba-news-brief
16:34:51 From Stephanie Burgos Oxfam’s report “Right to Live Without a Blockade”
https://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/research-publications/right-to-live-without-a-blockade/
16:37:14 From Arnold Trujillo to Hosts and panelists : What bothered me about the video is that no one representing the Cuban government explaining why they have such tight control, they are under siege, in a war footing, and are trying to protect the revolution.
16:38:48 From Jan Strout to Hosts and panelists : Could Stephanie share her excellent resources in the presentation? Thank you.
16:40:03 From Stephanie Burgos to Hosts and panelists : YouTube link to short on Zulu https://youtu.be/9kJo64q6j-g
16:42:26 From Stephanie Burgos to Jan Strout and all panelists : Thanks Jan - did you see the link I shared for our paper and the short video I shared?
16:45:11 From Jan Strout to Hosts and panelists : They haven't appeared in my chat. I'm involved with the US Women and Cuba Collaboration (www.womenandcuba.org) and would love to chat off-line as well. Thanks peacewomen4ever@yahoo.com
16:48:28 From Stephanie Burgos : Oxfam’s report “Right to Live Without a Blockade”
https://www.oxfamamerica.org/explore/research-publications/right-to-live-without-a-blockade/
16:48:54 From Stephanie Burgos : Oxfam video on Zulu https://youtu.be/9kJo64q6j-g
16:49:31 From Stephanie Burgos : Oxfam video on agriculture https://youtu.be/rkuFQ5RPN80
16:50:07 From Mirella Martinelli : For more information on the documentary film “Frenemies - Cuba and the U.S. Embargo”, including upcoming screenings: https://www.movingimages.pictures/
16:57:45 From Michelle Cohen to Hosts and panelists : @ Paul Johnson: Greetings from our common friend, Leonel Capote (via Michelle Cohen).
16:58:19 From VICKI LUNDY-REVELS : Thanks for the update. Prayers for "Cuba Libre" Love to see the Obama poster on the wall - I have one too from New York Times travel Show.
16:58:53 From Kwabena Lumumba to Hosts and panelists : Can someone speak to the economic disparity of Black and White Cubans caused by majority White Cuban remittance since the Special Period?
17:00:13 From Merna Gill to Hosts and panelists : Thank you Mirella for your beautiful, informative and timely documentary!!
17:00:39 From Mirella Martinelli : Thank you, Merna!
17:04:13 From Emily Tracy to Hosts and panelists : Such a good point - it doesn't always have to be about Florida!
17:04:36 From Mirella Martinelli : If you want to watch the documentary film Frenemies again, visit our website: https://www.movingimages.pictures/
17:04:48 From Mirella Martinelli : You can also send me an email and I will put you on our newsletter (sent out no more than twice a month): micaglasberg@gmail.com
17:05:28 From lisa valanti to Hosts and panelists : Since Cuba has not collapsed despite all the suffering the US has unleashed in Cuba, and the entire world views its threat to the sovereignty of any country, there is more than just apathy or domestic policy, I think now it is Cuba’s success with biotechnology and covid vaccines which Cuba wants to share with the world…the US wants a monopoly on biotech, germ warfare…so much misdirection on the US giving a $#%# about people, human rights, etc.
17:05:34 From Jorge Quintana he/him @cda_dc to Kwabena Lumumba and all panelists : That is an excellent questions and one we have tried to address in our publications.
17:05:43 From Paul Johnson to Hosts and panelists : Leonel - good to see you here. Great to have a Cuban farmer represented.
17:06:53 From Jorge Quintana he/him @cda_dc to Kwabena Lumumba and all panelists : We agree that the population of Cuban-Americans differs from the population in Cuba and that difference leads to structural and systemic problems.
17:07:17 From CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO to Hosts and panelists : It’s not Biden or his staff that does not want to end the embargo, it’s about the mid-term elections and gaining Dems in FL. I think we may see some change after the mid-terms
17:07:38 From CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO to Hosts and panelists : Especially if Rubio is dethroned
17:08:08 From lisa valanti to Hosts and panelists : If Cuba could market its biotech it would become rich.
17:08:33 From Jorge Quintana he/him @cda_dc to Kwabena Lumumba and all panelists : That being said, the remedy isn't to get rid of remittances entirely, but to allow donative and commercial remittances that would allow US NGOs and non-profits to invest in communities, like Afro-Cuban and LGBTQ+ communities.
17:09:55 From Kathryn Hall-Trujillo to Hosts and panelists : Thank you for this encouraging conversation. I am involved with the Cuba-US Medical School Scholarship Program and co-teach US students, policy makers and health and social service providers at ENSAP.
17:14:32 From Merna Gill to Hosts and panelists : Thank you John for hosting. Sorry I have to leave I've another meeting that I need to join. Appreciate all you are doing.
17:22:12 From CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO to Hosts and panelists : Thank you, John!
17:22:22 From Mirella Martinelli : https://www.movingimages.pictures/
17:22:46 From Mirella Martinelli : micaglasberg@gmail.com
17:23:05 From Sandy Waters to Hosts and panelists : swaters26@hotmail.com
17:24:16 From Barbara Walker to Hosts and panelists : blwalker42@comcast.net. Mirella, please put me on your email list.
17:25:29 From Denise Villamia : Great Question
17:25:58 From Mirella Martinelli : yes, Barbara
17:28:18 From Mirella Martinelli : Embargo impact - example: Filmmaker Miguel Coyula had the money he raised through crowdfunding for his next film, blocked by the embargo
17:28:28 From Josue Lopez Lozano : Hello
17:29:42 From Annie Betancourt to Hosts and panelists : Hi John, I joined late but I find this conversation very interesting.
17:29:55 From Teresita Terga to Hosts and panelists : Thank you very much! As a Cuban American residing in the midst of sugar country, I am totally against the embargo - and know that once the embargo is lifted disappear the people of Cuba will have a chance!
17:30:19 From Mirella Martinelli : Thank you, Teresita!
17:34:35 From Stephanie Burgos : Thank you for raising this important point, Arturo.
17:34:42 From Cynthia Wright to Hosts and panelists : Thanks for these points, Arturo
17:34:51 From Mirella Martinelli : Why is the U.S. so afraid of communism? Might it be better for the majority than capitalism?
17:36:05 From Josue Lopez Lozano : Biggest issue of all actually
17:36:19 From Josue Lopez Lozano : No bank will ever come close to Cuba if Cuba still on that list
17:36:32 From Tania De La Torre to Hosts and panelists : I think the US is also afraid to lose the Goliath image to a David.
17:37:39 From Mirella Martinelli : Cuba is used as an illustration that “Socialism doesn’t work.” However, it’s not a fair illustration as Cuba has been embargoed for so long.
17:37:46 From Steve Katz : Communism might be better for the majority (aka the masses), but not for the capitalists that own the U.S. government.
17:38:28 From CYNTHIA CARRIS ALONSO : If anyone is interested in further conversation, please contact me via the Facebook page for my book: A Taste of Cuba: A Journey Through Cuba and Its Savory Cuisine, Includes 75 Authentic Recipes from the Country’s Top Chefs - https://www.facebook.com/atasteofcubabook
17:39:07 From Arturo Lopez-Levy : I just want to share a program I host about Latin American issues, with focus on Cuba and USA-Cuba relations. In case you want to see it look here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe4EkcaBiy2ezNJZJCa7_wA
17:40:33 From Mirella Martinelli to Josue Lopez Lozano and all panelists : please send your contact
17:41:06 From Stephanie Burgos : Thank you, Josue, for mentioning the importance of focusing on pressing for Biden to reverse all of the executive orders that Trump put in place. As you said, Biden can do that with a stroke of his pen, and it would make a BIG difference for people in Cuba!
17:41:36 From Josue Lopez Lozano : Thank you Stephanie
17:41:52 From Irene Kaufman to Hosts and panelists : Thank you for this opportunity to see this excellent film and hear this discussion. I am in Florida.
17:41:59 From Josue Lopez Lozano : I met with McGovern today, we had a great meeting.
17:42:24 From Josue Lopez Lozano : Would love to stay in touch with anyone pushing this policies forward.
17:42:25 From Mirella Martinelli : Donations for Frenemies if you can: https://www.movingimages.pictures/sponsorship
17:42:52 From Josue Lopez Lozano : Jorge's point is spot on!
17:43:08 From Mirella Martinelli : Contact me if you want to continue this “mission”: micaglasberg@gmail.com
17:43:15 From Irene Kaufman to Hosts and panelists : I agree that Biden should use Executive order! But will do my part as a voter in Florida.
17:45:48 From Josue Lopez Lozano : I run rooms on The Cuba Clubhouse every once in a while
17:46:10 From Josue Lopez Lozano : https://thecubaclub.house
17:46:16 From Norman Pearlmutter to Hosts and panelists : Also on YouTube, watch the visit of First Lady Jill Biden in Cuba during the Obama thaw.
17:46:18 From Tania De La Torre to Hosts and panelists : Thank you to the panelists for putting this together. En Solidaridad!
17:49:42 From Emily Tracy to Hosts and panelists : Excellent film and excellent discussion!
17:49:56 From Kwabena Lumumba to Hosts and panelists : In the words of MLK, we should shout “Why We Can’t Wait!”
17:50:09 From Rhonda Villamia : Very insightful & informative. Thank you John for hosting this, to all the panelists who participated, & to those who asked all the thought-provoking questions. Cuban families have suffered long enough…
17:50:38 From Mirella Martinelli to Kwabena Lumumba and all panelists : yeah, sister!
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Q & A
I am curious who the audience is for the film. It is clearly not the solidarity or progressive communities, given that the two main Cuban participants are (relatively) well-known dissidents. Bill Montross
The audience is you, your friends and family. Please spread the word! True progressives do not condone human rights abuse or attacks to civil liberties. Both the US gov and the Cuban gov incur in those. The US embargo against Cuba is itself an act of abuse of human rights. Lifting the embargo shouldn’t be bound to any conditions since it’s not fair in the first place. Cuba never attacked the United States.
If the embargo is ended, how do we know that the Cuban government will not benefit..ie: keep goods for themselves??? Anonymous Attendee
There is no question that the Cuban government will try to obtain some of the funds coming to the island. But the government is not corrupt. Historically it has used hard currency earnings to provide food, medicine and education for the Cuban people.
What is the status of the Cuban Trade Act once it was introduced? Gonzalo Lopez
S. 249 (United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2021) was introduced in February 2021. The administration has not supported it, and given its opposition by Sen. Robert Menendez it is effectively dead for this session of Congress.
Are there presently motions in Congress to end or modify the embargo? If YES, what are their numbers and sponsors? Ada Bello
S. 249 (United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2021) was introduced in February 2021. The administration has not supported it, and given its opposition by Sen. Robert Menendez it is effectively dead for this session of Congress.
When do you think the US will realize that the embargo will only leave Cuba vulnerable and if Russia again wants to offer support for Cuba what do you think that will mean for US-Cuba relations? Sandy Waters
The embargo clearly is not a rational instrument of policy to achieve US aims with Cuba. It is rooted in domestic politics. Russia already provides some support for Cuba, but much more support comes from China. The Biden administration seems not to care.
I recall reading that the US Government sends $16 million to Cuba to support "democracy," including the July demonstrations. How does that money get to Cuba? Nicholas Long
The amount appropriated is $20 million. Some of that never gets to Cuba; it is directed to US "consulting firms" some of which create websites in the US available to Cubans for disseminating information. This was the case for the July demonstrations. The website that initiated the demonstrations was based in Miami. For more information, see the blog from Tracey Eation at: https://cubamoneyproject.com/
I don't understand why the Biden admininstration doesn't revert back to the Obama administration's Cuba policy Sandy Waters
There is no one in the White House who wants to change the policy. It takes a strong staffer to generate policy changes. Pres. Biden also seems to believe that Democrats can win some seats in Florida this year by maintaining Trump's policy. For additional analysis see: https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2021/07/21/biden-stalls-on-reinstating-cuban-remittances-for-no-good-reason/
I don't understand why the Biden administration doesn't revert back to the Obama administration's Cuba policy Sandy Waters
We go back to the Red Scare again… fear of not pleasing part of the electorate who believe that Socialism or Communism is evil and that the US should dictate which political and economic models of other countries
I take exception with: the Cuban government is not corrupt,,, Anonymous Attendee
Should our focus be on improving the lives of the Cuban people and not assuming the only way to accomplish such is by ending the embargo? Given the difficulties of ending the embargo, should we be focused on identifying and exempting those remaining parts of the embargo that impact Cuban citizens? We have dealt with food sales, medicine sales, travel, and remittances to the extent impacted by the Cuban government. Bob Michaels
I have been to Cuba six times between 2003 an 2018, The Cuba I experienced in 2017 and 2018 doesn't look like the Havana portrayed in most of the film. For example in 2018 there was considerable traffic, lots of Chinese yellow cabs and non-Russian cars. Old American cars, prominent in 2003, were a small minority in 2018. What years in Havana are depicted in most, but not all, of the film? Michael Altman
Images in Frenemies were filmed between 2017 and 2019 (besides archival footage in black and white)
If so, what specific items should we deal with exempting the from the embargo? Bob Michaels
We have many reasons to End the Embargo but two big ones are CHINA AND RUSSIA Merna Gill
Will we be able to see the video after this panel is over? I would like to watch it again. Stephanie Jutt
The video is available at: https://www.movingimages.pictures/
I mean the Vimeo “Frenemies” but also the panel Stephanie Jutt
If you want to watch the documentary film Frenemies again, visit our website: https://www.movingimages.pictures/
You can also send me an email and I will put you on our newsletter (sent out no more than twice a month): micaglasberg@gmail.com
Are there enough Cuban-Americans in Florida to decide and elections? Ada Bello
There’s money in politics and the Cuban-Americans are an important part of the electorate. Not all of them want to keep the embargo either
Why do they only cater to Miami or So. Florida Cuban-Americans? What about the rest of the Cuban-Americans in the rest of the country? We don't all live in Miami. Sandy Waters
I agree! It has always seemed to me that the primary reason that both the democrats and the republicans have supported the blockade is because they think it will help win Florida’s electoral college votes in presidential elections. Certainly it’s never been about caring about the Cuban people. Joel Schwartz
Did you say cubamoneyproject.com? Barbara Walker Yes: https://cubamoneyproject.com/
Thank you. Barbara Walker
"I joined late, but I find this conversation very relevant. Will watch the film later tonight. I’m from Florida and was the Democatic nominee for Congressional District 25 in 2002. That’s 20 years ago, I ran against Mario Diez Ballart. Annie Betancourt"
Anonymous Attendee Ready to run again?
In answer to Sandy's question, I imagine for the same reason that Florida plays such an outsized role in American politics (think electoral college.) Wendy Sabin
Bob, what specifics things do you see that are causing Cuban problems besides the embargp? You say there are some, but you don’t say what they are. Dave Langford
Because of the embargo Cuba can't sell their products in the world market - therefore can't take advantage of international trade. Ex: selling Nickel to Japan for car manufacturing, even their rum Ada Bello
John, please ask your cadre of experts to address SPECIFICALLY those items that should be exempted from the embargo. I have only heard generalities. Please remember I am an old time "results oriented" business person. Bob Michaels
Please run again! Norman Pearlmutter
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