Cuba has several restrictions and limitations on freedom of speech. Another Santiago resident, Rubiester, also known as the Poet, runs an illegal vegetable vendor stall. Struggling to make ends meet, the Poet writes chants criticizing government policies and foreign relations, effectively pointing out political hypocrisy. The man has been imprisoned for doing so and always finds himself in trouble with the police. Through Rubiester, O’Reilly develops an argument against restrictions on free speech by capturing unfortunate accounts from the Poet about the substantial financial crunch he faces daily. Through his film, the filmmaker allows the voice of several, like Rubiester, to portray the real Cuba to the world.
As much as Lazaro and the Shark: Cuba Under The Surface is about these three main subjects, who never meet, the overall narrative of this eye-opening documentary is to bring forth the truth about Cuba’s state of living. The residents’ stories are touching though somewhat painful. After all, who wishes to remain suppressed under a hypocritical political regime? It’s unfortunate how it takes pride in promoting Congas but ignores the pleas of those who have kept the traditions alive.
“…will captivate you to dig deep into the situation and urge you to share the people’s cries.”
Several viewers, especially those of non-Cuban origin, may need help understanding Congas. But, from the film’s perspective, Congas are the freedom that Lazaro seeks for his family. Through the art of performance, Lazaro wishes his kids a similarly free and celebratory life. The documentary sparks a debate among Cuba’s families who continue suffering in the Revolution. And it urges you to speak for their freedom. After all, many struggle and work to the bone to offer their families a good living. But difficulties securing the next meal are sure to spark much discussion.
Antonio Vidal, an elderly former Santiago resident, further cements this notion. “I wanted to live in a free country,” he says, referencing how, several years earlier, Vidal left Cuba for a better life in Miami, Florida. Though he misses the days he was there before he immigrated, there is a sense of freedom and fearlessness Vidal possess now. Out of all the people who struggle to find prosperity in Cuba, Vidal could only manage to do so by leaving his home. It proves the desperation to be somewhere better runs among all remaining in Cuba.
Lazaro and the Shark: Cuba Under The Surface successfully scrapes off the layer settled over the country’s public image by outsiders and tourists. The reality is worse and far more severe, though hope still lives on, so as long Conga and Carnival are around. William Sabourin O’Reilly will captivate you to dig deep into the situation and urge you to share the people’s cries.
"…Congas are the freedom that Lazaro seeks for his family."
