El Cartel Cubano: how Cuba’s revolution-era political posters transformed film poster design forever

Rarely are we given a glimpse into the culture, history, and art of Cuba, especially portrayed in a positive, celebratory light. That’s where Sound Off Films’ new documentary feature El Cartel Cubano intervenes. The film delves into the profound impact of Cuba’s revolutionary political posters, a style that revolutionised their world of film poster design. The documentary is brought to life through the collaboration of Angel Manuel Soto – the director of the current smash-hit film Blue Beetle – as executive producer, along with directors Adrienne Hall and Mecky Creus, and presented by Sound Off Films and Cacha Films. Soon to be released, the film promises a close look at this distinctive poster art form, its talented creators, and the modern endeavours of designers who safeguard Cuba’s cherished poster tradition.

For co-director Adrienne Hall, the genesis of this passion project came way back in 2012. “I was researching for a colleague's documentary film project, exploring the possibility of normalised relations between the US and Cuba, and what that would mean for the island nation and its residents,” Adrienne tells It’s Nice That. “During that month-long stay, I went to different cities and fell in love with the rich, complex Cuban culture.” Adrienne particularly recalls spotting a film poster for Juan of the Dead in the cinema, “unlike anything [she’d] seen before” back home. “At first, I thought it was a one-off thing, but a week or so later in Havana, at the Museo de Bellas Artes, I stumbled upon a trove of these unique posters,” she adds.” The style was deeply captivating, to the point that it stayed at the forefront of Adrienne’s mind thereafter. “The images that stuck out to me were Por Primera Vez by artist Muñoz Bachs, a colourful poster of Chaplin, and an intelligent synthesis of A Clockwork Orange,” she says. “I even noticed one printed on previously used paper. What was that about?”

Adrienne left with a new understanding of the film poster as an art form in and of itself. “I found myself asking: How come our posters in the US aren't this beautiful? What did this say about the priorities of the revolution? What did the medium or choices in the scarcity of materials used say about the economic situation in Cuba?” It’s these questions which form the bedrock of El Cartel Cubano, a fascinating and tender tribute to the artists on the island. “Capturing these artists at work in such an intimate way was a profound experience that added depth and authenticity to our project,” Adrienne recalls.

Overall, the film has been a “humbling and transformative process” for everyone involved. “The film explores the rich history of Cuban cinema and the iconic posters that have accompanied it for over 60 years, reflecting the complex beauty, pain, passion and grit of Cuba,” Adrienne says. “The Cuban film posters, or ‘carteles,’ are more than mere marketing tools… they are a reflection of Cuban society at different points in time, embodying the struggles, aspirations, and unique characteristics of the Cuban people.” In El Cartel Cubano the dynamic hues, inventive artistic concepts, and impactful visuals of these posters resonate deeply with the essence of Cuba’s cultural identity.

Whilst Adrienne mainly wants “viewers to be captivated by the artistry of the Cuban film poster… as unique works of art,” there is also a more nuanced intention to the film. It is, ultimately, an homage to the Cuban population’s perseverance and ingenuity, calling for acknowledgment and celebration of the intricate mosaic that is Cuban art and cinema. “I want audiences to reflect on the broader themes and consider what these posters reveal about Cuban society and, by extension, our own,” Adrienne says. “By showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of Cuban artists, especially in the face of scarcity and challenges, I hope to build bridges and create a sense of connection.”