The hero who won Cuba's wars—then faced Castro's firing squad. Kafka meets Caribbean.
The Kafkaesque world of Cuba under Castro's rule is brought to light in this reconstruction of the 1989 trial and execution of General Arnaldo Ochoa Sanchez, the highest-ranking general and hero of the revolution, and commander of the Angolan and Ethiopian campaigns.
Direction
Jiménez Leal weaponizes state footage against itself.
Editing
Juxtaposition transforms propaganda into devastating testimony.
Director
Orlando Jiménez Leal
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Ochoa's real crime was likely his popularity and Angolan success threatening Raul's succession. The 'drug trafficking' charges were almost certainly fabricated.
This film is banned in Cuba—possession can mean prison. Jiménez Leal made it in exile, smuggling footage out through diplomatic channels.
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