As part of a growing global wave of solidarity with the Cuban people amid a tightening U.S. economic blockade, a new outreach initiative is set to launch in Rome this evening, joining a series of international actions already taken in support of Havana. This event, themed “With Cinema and the Cuban People,” will be hosted at Rome’s Zavattini Hall, bringing together activists, cultural figures, and diplomatic representatives to stand with Cuba against escalating trade and financial restrictions.
Organized by the Cuban Embassy in Italy, the gathering boasts broad backing from major Italian civil society and labor groups: the Italy-Cuba Friendship Association (ANAIC), the Italian General Confederation of Labor (CGIL), the National Association of Italian Partisans (ANPI), the Italian Cultural Association for Social Promotion (ARCI), and the Italian Federation of Film Clubs (FICC) have all thrown their support behind the initiative.
Key speakers will include Jorge Luis Cepero, Cuba’s current Ambassador to Italy, who will deliver remarks in person in Rome. Attendees will also connect via live broadcast to Havana for an address from Mirta Ibarra, the celebrated Cuban actress and filmmaker who directed the documentary at the center of the event.
AAMOD, one of Italy’s most respected cultural institutions focused on preserving, researching, and sharing the country’s historical and audiovisual heritage, is playing a central role in curating the gathering. The organization says the event is designed to create an open space for information sharing, critical reflection, and public participation, centering two key topics: the ongoing situation in Cuba under the embargo, and the urgent need for the global community to expand tangible support for the Cuban people.
This new event is the latest in a string of international solidarity actions responding to the U.S.’s recent tightening of its long-running economic blockade of Cuba. Previous initiatives include the European Convoy that recently traveled to the island nation, the cross-regional Our America Convoy, and the global Energy for Life campaign, all of which have worked to deliver direct, practical support to Cuban citizens impacted by the embargo.